Piscicolidae

species of annelid

The Piscicolidae are a family of jawless leeches in the order Rhynchobdellida that are parasitic on fish. They occur in both freshwater and seawater, have cylindrical bodies, and typically have a large, bell-shaped, anterior sucker with which they cling to their host. Some of the leeches in this family have external gills, outgrowths of the body wall projecting laterally, the only group of leeches to exchange gases in this way.

Piscicola is a genus of leeches belonging to the family Piscicolidae. The species of this genus are found in Europe and Northern America.

species of annelid

species of annelid

Cystobranchus is a genus of leeches (Hirudinea) belonging to the family Piscicolidae. These leeches are associated with freshwater fishes and closely related to the genus Piscicola. They are distributed in Europe and North America. They attach themselves on the external part of fish and feed on their blood, which could cause the fish to be more susceptible to stressors and diseases.

species of annelid

Caspiobdella is a genus of annelids belonging to the family Piscicolidae. The species of this genus are found in Europe.

species of annelid

Pontobdella is a species of marine leeches with a cosmopolitan distribution. They are covered with tubercles and their primary hosts are rays, sharks, skates, and sawfish.

Myzobdella is a genus of leeches in the family Piscicolidae. The genus name derives from two Greek words: μυζω (I suck), and βδελλα (leech).