Microcotyle helotes

Microcotyle helotes has the general morphology of all species of Microcotyle, with a symmetrical elongated body of medium size, comprising an anterior part which contains most organs and a posterior part called the haptor. The haptor is symmetrical, and bears 62 clamps, arranged as two rows, one on each side. The clamps of the haptor attach the animal to the gill of the fish. There are also two buccal septated suckers at the anterior extremity. The digestive organs include an anterior, terminal mouth, a circular pharynx, an oesophagus dividing shortly behind the genital atrium and a posterior intestine with two lateral branches provided with numerous secondary branches; the branches extends into the haptor. Each adult contains male and female reproductive organs. The reproductive organs include an anterior genital atrium, armed with numerous minute spines, a medio-dorsal vagina, a single ovary and 14 irregular testes which are posterior to the ovary.^[1]

The eastern striped grunter, Helotes sexlineatus (Terapontidae) is the type host of Microcotyle helotes.^[1][4][5] It was redescribed from others Terapontidae; Pelsartia humeralis,^[5] and the sea trumpeter Terapon theraps.^[6] Microcotyle helotes was first described from fishes caught off Western Australia.^[1] This monogenean was reported again from the type locality,^[5][4] and from South China Sea.^[6]