# Microcotyle constricta

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{{short description|Species of worms}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = 
| image_caption =  
| genus = Microcotyle
| species = constricta
| authority = Robinson, 1961
| synonyms = 
}}

'''''Microcotyle constricta''''' is a [species](/source/species) of [monogenean](/source/monogenean), [parasitic](/source/fish_parasites) on the [gills](/source/gills) of a marine [fish](/source/fish). It belongs to the family [Microcotylidae](/source/Microcotylidae).<ref name="Robinson1961">{{cite journal|last1=Robinson|first1=Edward S.|title=Some Monogenetic Trematodes from marine fishes of the Pacific|journal=Transactions of the American Microscopical Society |volume=80|issue=3 |year=1961 |pages=235–266|issn=0003-0023|doi=10.2307/3223640|jstor=3223640 }}</ref>

==Taxonomy==
''Microcotyle constricta'' was first described by Robinson in 1961 from the gills of the New Zealand blue cod ''[Parapercis colias](/source/Parapercis_colias)'' ([Pinguipedidae](/source/Pinguipedidae)) based on one specimens (one sectioned).<ref name="Robinson1961"/> In 1965, Dillon & Hargis redescribed this species based on 20 specimens and gave additional information regarding buccal organs, seminal receptacle position and egg.<ref name="DillonHargis1965"/>

==Morphology==
[[File:Blue Cod in Milford Sound.jpg|thumb|left|The New Zealand blue cod ''[Parapercis colias](/source/Parapercis_colias)'' is the type host of ''Microcotyle constricta'']]
''Microcotyle constricta'' has the general morphology of all species of ''[Microcotyle](/source/Microcotyle)'', with a symmetrical elongate body, rounded anteriorly and comprising an anterior part which contains most organs and a posterior part called the [haptor](/source/haptor). The haptor is symmetrical, and bears 74-82 rectangular [clamps](/source/clamp_(zoology)), arranged as two rows, one on each side. The clamps of the haptor attach the animal to the [gill](/source/gill) of the fish. There are also two oval septate buccal [suckers](/source/sucker_(zoology)) at the anterior extremity. The digestive organs include an anterior, terminal mouth, a rounded pharynx, an enlarged [oesophagus](/source/oesophagus) immediately posterior to the pharynx and, which extends to the level of the posterior margin of the genital atrium, and a posterior [intestine](/source/intestine) with two lateral branches provided with numerous secondary branches. The left branch extends into the haptor. Each adult contains male and female reproductive organs. The reproductive organs include an anterior circular genital atrium located approximately midway between the buccal suckers and body constriction, armed with numerous elongate rose-thorn shaped [spines](/source/spine_(zoology)), a medio-dorsal [vagina](/source/vagina) located at level of body constriction, a single tubular coiled [ovary](/source/ovary) and 18-25 follicular [testes](/source/testicle) which are posterior to the ovary and closely packed.<ref name="Robinson1961"/>

==Diagnosis==
''Microcotyle constricta'' most closely resembles ''[Microcotyle ditrematis](/source/Microcotyle_ditrematis)'', but differs in clamps' width and structure; the rounded genital atrium; the rounded anterior end of body and the constriction at level of the vaginal pore.<ref name="Robinson1961"/>

==Hosts and localities==
The type-host of ''Microcotyle constricta'' is the New Zealand blue cod ''[Parapercis colias](/source/Parapercis_colias)'' ([Pinguipedidae](/source/Pinguipedidae)). The type-locality is off [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand).<ref name="Robinson1961"/> Dillon & Hargis reported this species from the type-host and locality.<ref name="DillonHargis1965">{{cite book|last1=Dillon|first1=William Arthur|last2=Hargis|first2=William J.|title=Biology of the Antarctic Seas II |chapter=Monogenetic Trematodes from the Southern Pacific Ocean: 2. Polyopisthocotyleids from New Zealand Fishes: The Families Discocotylidae, Microcotylidae, Axinidae, and Gastrocotylidae|series=Antarctic Research Series |year=1965|pages=251–280|issn=2328-9201|doi=10.1029/AR005p0251|isbn=9781118668627 }}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q2406257}}

Category:Microcotyle
Category:Parasites of fish
Category:Animals described in 1961
Category:Worms of New Zealand

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Microcotyle constricta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcotyle_constricta) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcotyle_constricta?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.