Scoloplacidae

Scoloplacidae is a family of acanthocephalan parasites. These endoparasites typically infect fish and aquatic birds, with their larval stages developing in crustaceans. The family name, Scoloplacidae, is derived from the Greek words "skolops" meaning spit or dart, and "plax" meaning plate, referring to the characteristic spiny proboscis and the flattened body shape observed in some species.

The life cycle of scoloplacid acanthocephalans involves an intermediate host, usually a crustacean like a shrimp or amphipod, and a definitive host. Eggs are passed in the feces of the definitive host and ingested by the intermediate host. Within the intermediate host, the eggs hatch into acanthors, which penetrate the gut wall and develop into cystacanths. When the infected intermediate host is consumed by the definitive host, the cystacanth evaginates its proboscis and attaches to the intestinal wall, maturing into an adult parasite.

Members of Scoloplacidae are characterized by their relatively small size and the presence of a spiny proboscis used for anchoring within the host's intestine. The number and arrangement of hooks on the proboscis are important diagnostic features for distinguishing between different species within the family. While not extensively studied, their ecological role involves regulating populations of their intermediate and definitive hosts. Research on Scoloplacidae contributes to our understanding of host-parasite interactions and the biodiversity of parasitic helminths.