A scanning electron microscope examination of Pomphorhynchus laevis

Pomphorhynchus laevis is an acanthocephala which lives in the intestines of fish. These acanthocephala are characterised by a cylindrical proboscis, and an extremely long neck with a bulbous anterior expansion. In this study, the surface structures of P. laevis were examined with a scanning electron microscope. On the proboscis of this parasite 18 hook rows, each consisting of 12 hooks, were observed. The anterior hooks were smaller than the posterior hooks of the proboscis. The recurved hooks were within pockets on the proboscis. The presoma structure was porous and there were no pores on the hooks. The metasoma structure was also porous. Numerous cuticular wrinkles were observed on the metasoma.