Diplozoon

/dɪˈplɒzoʊɑːn/ noun

Definition

A parasitic flatworm that attaches to fish gills in pairs, with two organisms fused together into one body.

Etymology

From Greek 'diplos' (double) and 'zoon' (animal), coined in the 1800s to describe the unique paired parasitic structure where two worms permanently fuse.

Kelly Says

Diplozoon is nature's ultimate power couple—two separate worms literally fuse into one organism to survive, and neither can survive alone once bonded. It's like they take 'till death do us part' to a biological extreme.

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