Microcotyle brevis

Microcotyle brevis has the general morphology of all species of Microcotyle, with a body comprising an anterior part which contains most organs and a posterior part called the haptor. The haptor is symmetrical, extending nearly to the level of the genital atrium and bears 60 clamps similar in structure and dissimilar in size, arranged as two rows, one on each side. The clamps of the haptor attach the animal to the gill of the fish. There are also two buccal suckers at the anterior extremity, provided with minute sclerotized tooth-like papillae. The digestive organs include an anterior, terminal mouth, a pharynx, a relatively short oesophagus and a posterior intestine bifurcating at the level of the genital atrium in two lateral branches provided with numerous secondary branches. Each adult contains male and female reproductive organs. The reproductive organs include an anterior genital atrium, armed with numerous very spines, a medio-dorsal vagina, a single ovary and 2-3 postovarian testes which are posterior to the ovary. The egg is provided with filaments at both ends.