Striped Leech [Pontobdella vittata]
Description
The Striped Leech, Pontobdella vittata, is a marine leech species that inhabits various parts of the Atlantic Ocean. This species is parasitic, attaching itself to the skin of various species of fish. Its distinctive characteristic is the presence of bold longitudinal stripes of contrasting colors, usually black and white, on its dorsal surface. This species prefers shallow coastal waters.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Leeches
Hirudinea
|
| Order |
Arhynchobdellida
Arhynchobdellida
|
| Family |
Piscicolidae
Piscicolidae
|
| Genus |
Pontobdella
Pontobdella
|