Microcotyle peprili

[3] Due to the lack of detail in the original description, Microcotyle peprili was redescribed and illustrated based on 10 specimens from the type-host off Chesapeake Bay.

[4] Microcotyle peprili has the general morphology of all species of Microcotyle, with an elongate fusiform body tapered toward the anterior end and the haptor-bearing region, provided with a thin and smooth tegument, comprising an anterior part which contains most organs and a posterior part called the haptor.

The tapering haptor is 0.12 mm long, and bears about 175 clamps similar in shape, arranged as two rows, one on each side.

The digestive organs include an anterior, terminal mouth, a spherical pharynx, an esophagus extending just posterior to the genital atrium, and a posterior intestine with two lateral branches ramified laterally and fusing in a single peduncle that extends into the haptor.

The reproductive organs include a genital atrium, armed with numerous conical spines arranged in concentric circles, opening near anterior end, a single relatively long ovary, a uterus, vitelline glands that extends along both sides from the genital atrium to the beginning of the haptor and are joined posteriorly, and 13-24 testes which are posterior to the ovary.

The type-host of Microcotyle peprili is the American harvestfish Peprilus alepidotus