Glossiphoniidae [Glossiphoniidae]

Description

Glossiphoniidae is a family of freshwater and occasionally marine leeches known for their flattened bodies and relatively small size. They exhibit a unique reproductive behavior, with many species showing parental care by carrying their young on the ventral side of their bodies. Glossiphoniidae are primarily hematophagous, feeding on the blood of vertebrates, but some species are predatory, consuming small invertebrates. Their marine representatives, although less common, demonstrate similar ecological roles and behaviors as their freshwater counterparts. This family is recognized for its contribution to the ecological balance within aquatic ecosystems, often serving as indicators of environmental health.