Haploporidae

Haploporidae is a family of parasitic flatworms belonging to the class Trematoda. These endoparasites are primarily found in the digestive tracts of various vertebrate hosts, including fish, birds, and mammals. Their life cycles are typically complex, involving one or more intermediate hosts such as invertebrates like snails or crustaceans, before reaching the definitive host. Adult haploporids are characterized by their relatively small size and often unadorned tegument. They possess a muscular pharynx and a simple digestive system. Reproduction is sexual, with most species being hermaphroditic. While generally not considered major pathogens, heavy infections in their definitive hosts can lead to symptoms such as reduced growth, inflammation of the digestive organs, and general debilitation. Research into Haploporidae contributes to our understanding of host-parasite interactions and the evolutionary biology of trematodes.