Proteocephalidea
tapeworm order
Quick Summary
The Proteocephalidea are an order of tapeworms that primarily parasitize fish. These tapeworms are characterized by a scolex (head) that typically has four suckers, and sometimes a fifth terminal one. Their reproductive organs are similar to those of the Cyclophyllidae, and their reproductive organs resemble those of the Tetraphyllidea. While sometimes grouped with these other orders, they are now more commonly classified separately. Proteocephalidea are mainly parasites of cold-blooded vertebrates.12
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