Echinorhynchus

/ˌɛkɪnoʊˈrɪŋkəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of parasitic worms (spiny-headed worms) that infect fish and other aquatic animals by attaching with their spiky proboscis.

Etymology

From Greek echinos (hedgehog) + rhynchos (snout/beak), named for the protruding spiny snout they use to burrow into their host's intestines.

Kelly Says

These parasites have a horrifying feeding strategy—they use their spiny snout to hook into their host's gut and absorb nutrients directly through their skin for years.

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