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Image Credit: Kingfiser (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Watch a video of a dicyemid here.

Microscope view of a dicyemid

Video Credit: Fossa (YouTube Creative Commons License) â€‹

Chapter:

Dicyemids

Chapter: Ctenophores: Welcome

Synapomorphies

What makes a dicyemid a dicyemid?

  • Dicyemida, also known as dicyemids, are a group of small, parasitic invertebrates that live in the kidneys of certain species of cephalopod mollusks, such as octopuses and cuttlefish. They are characterized by their complex body structure, which consists of a series of interconnected tubes that run through the host's renal tubules. Dicyemids feed on the host's renal secretions and are believed to play a role in maintaining the health of the host's kidneys. Much remains to be learned about the biology and evolution of this group of animals. Despite their small size and parasitic lifestyle, dicyemids are of interest to scientists because of their unique anatomy and their close association with cephalopod mollusks, which are considered to be among the most intelligent of all invertebrates.

Chapter: Ctenophores: Text

Resources

Chapter: Dicyemids

Background Information

Total discovered species: 124 species
Distribution: Marine only; inside the renal organ of octopuses and cuttlefish

Commonly Associated Terms

dicyemida

Evolutionary History & Adaptation

Coming Soon

Conservation and Threats

Coming Soon

Additional Resources

Coming Soon

Chapter: Ctenophores: List

Chapter Advisors and Contributors

Avatar 85

John Doe
PhD Entomology

Lead Researcher at Bugtopia

Avatar 84

James Doe
MSc Insect Pest Management

Termite Specialist

Avatar 104

Ann Doe
MSc Aquatic Entomology

Entomologist at BugTech

Chapter: Ctenophores: Our Team
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