Microcotyle rubrum has the general morphology of all species of Microcotyle, with a symmetrical lanceolate body, comprising an anterior part which contains most organs and a posterior part called the haptor. The haptor is symmetrical, bears clamps, arranged as two rows, one on each side (40-49 clamps on each side). The clamps of the haptor attach the animal to the gill of the fish. There are also two oval buccal suckers at the anterior extremity. The digestive organs include an anterior, terminal mouth, an oval to elongated pharynx, an oesophagus and a posterior intestine with two lateral branches provided with numerous secondary branches; both branches do not extend into the haptor. Each adult contains male and female reproductive organs. The reproductive organs include an anterior tubular and fork-like genital atrium, armed with numerous spines, a medio-dorsal vagina, a single long and tubular ovary and 56 testes which are posterior to the ovary and scattered in middle region. [1][2]
Etymology
The species name is derived from the specific name of the type-host Otolithes ruber. [1]
Hosts and localities
The tigertooth croaker Otolithes ruber is the type-host of Microcotyle rubrum
1 2 3 4 5 Hadi, R., & Bilqees, F. M. (2010). Microcotyle rubrum n. sp (Monogenea: Microcotylidae) from Otolithus ruber of Karachi coast, Pakistan. Proceedings of Parasitology, (50), 115-126.
↑ Hadi, R. (2009). Studies on monogenetic trematodes of some fishes of Karachi Coast (Doctoral dissertation, Jinnah University for Women, Nazimabad, Karachi, Pakistan) PDF
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