Trypanorhyncha
Quick Summary
The Trypanorhyncha are an order of tapeworms. These tapeworms are parasitic in elasmobranch fishes, such as sharks and rays. They are distinguished by a scolex, which is the organ used for attachment to a host. The scolex in Trypanorhyncha has bothridia (suckers) and four spiny, retractable tentacles that help them attach to their host. The name "Trypanorhyncha" comes from Greek words meaning "boring snout," referring to these attachment structures.1
It is important to note that the term "trypanosome" refers to a different organism: a parasitic protozoan that causes diseases like sleeping sickness and Chagas disease.234
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