Clamp (zoology)

Clamps are the main attachment structure of the Polyopisthocotylean monogeneans.^[3]
These ectoparasitic worms have a variable number of clamps on their haptor (the posterior attachment organ); each clamp is attached to the host fish, generally to its gill. Clamps include sclerotised elements, called the sclerites, and muscles. The structure of clamps varies according to the groups within the Polyopisthocotylean monogeneans; microcotylids have relatively simple clamps, whereas gastrocotylids have more complex clamps.

Computer model^[1] of the sclerites in the clamp of a microcotylid monogenean

Clamps^[2] in various Polyopisthocotylean monogeneans of family Protomicrocotylidae

References

1. Yoon, GH.; Al-Jufaili, S.; Freeman, MA.; Bron, JE.; Paladini, G.; Shinn, AP. (Jun 2013). "Omanicotyle heterospina n. gen. et n. comb. (Monogenea: Microcotylidae) from the gills of Argyrops spinifer (Forsskal) (Teleostei: Sparidae) from the Sea of Oman". Parasit Vectors. 6 (1): 170. doi:10.1186/1756-3305-6-170. PMC 3683332. PMID 23758894.
2. Justine JL, Rahmouni C, Gey D, Schoelinck C, Hoberg EP (2013). "The Monogenean which lost its clamps". PLOS ONE. 8 (11): e79155. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0079155. PMC 3838368. PMID 24278118.
3. Bychowsky, B. E. (1957) Monogenetic Trematodes. Their systematic and phylogeny. Akad. Nauka. USSR. English translation by the American Institute of Biological Science, Washington. 509 pp.doi:10.5962/bhl.title.7475