Tapeworm parasite. Sections (proglottids) of the broad fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) showing eggs in the uteri. The adult stage of the tapewo

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Tapeworm parasite. Sections (proglottids) of the broad fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) showing eggs in the uteri. The adult stage of the tapeworm exists in the definitive host, which can be any large predator of fish, including humans. The tapeworm attaches to the wall of the small intestine with its scolex (head, not seen). The strobila (body) comprises a chain of proglottids. Adult broad fish tapeworms can reach over 10 metres in length, and can shed one million eggs per day. The first two stages in the life cycle of this tapeworm are conducted in a copepod (crustacean) and in a fish, for example pike or salmon.

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Size: 5120px × 3449px
Photo credit: © CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, bothriocephaliasis, broad, cestoda, cestode, diphyllobothrium, eggs, fish, flatworm, gravid, invertebrate, invertebrates, latum, nature, parasite, parasitic, platyhelminthes, proglottid, proglottides, proglottids, reproduction, strobila, tapeworm, uterus, wildlife, zoology