Microcotyle odacis

Microcotyle odacis has the general morphology of all species of Microcotyle, with an elongated symmetrical body, comprising an anterior part which contains most organs and a posterior part called the haptor. The haptor is symmetrical, distinctly separated from the rest of the body and bears clamps, arranged as two rows, one on each side (28 on the right and 30 on the left). The clamps of the haptor attach the animal to the gill of the fish. There are also two muscular septated buccal suckers at the anterior extremity. The digestive organs include an anterior, terminal mouth, a subcircular pharynx, an oesophagus bifurcating immediately posterior to the genital atrium and a posterior intestine with two lateral branches provided with numerous secondary branches; both branches enter the haptor. Each adult contains male and female reproductive organs. The reproductive organs include an anterior genital atrium, armed with numerous spines, a medio-dorsal vagina, a single incompletely S-shaped ovary consisting of a convoluted tube and 14 testes which are posterior to the ovary. The eggs are oval, with appendages at both poles. ^[1]

The type-host is the blue weed-whiting, Haletta semifasciata (Odacidae). The type-locality is off Australia. ^[1] Microcotyle odacis was reported again from the-host and locality. ^[5]