The Bloodsucker – Calliobdella lophii is a parasitic leech that inhabits the marine environment. It is known for its distinctive appearance and its unique relationship with its host.
Description & Characteristics
The Calliobdella lophii is a relatively small leech, typically reaching a maximum size of approximately 1.5 centimeters. It possesses a streamlined body, adapted for its parasitic lifestyle.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Bloodsucker – Calliobdella lophii is a marine leech that can be found in various depths, ranging from shallow coastal waters to deeper oceanic regions. It is typically associated with the neritic zone, the region of the ocean extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Calliobdella lophii belongs to the Class: Clitellata, Order: Rhynchobdellida, and Family: Piscicolidae. The Clitellata are a group of segmented worms, characterized by the presence of a clitellum, a specialized reproductive structure. The Rhynchobdellida is an order of leeches, known for their proboscis, a retractable, muscular structure used for feeding. The Piscicolidae are a family of leeches that are primarily parasitic on fish.
Feeding
The Bloodsucker – Calliobdella lophii, as its common name suggests, is a parasitic leech. It feeds on the blood of its host fish. Its feeding behavior involves attaching itself to the fish’s body and using its proboscis to pierce the skin and access the bloodstream.
Image References