Proteocephalus sp.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Proteocephalus ambloplites, bass tapeworm

Proteocephalus is a common tapeworm in warmwater fishes in Oregon. It is most often seen as plerocercoid stages (pale cysts) on the gut and other internal organs. Migration of the plerocercoid stages through the fish organs can make the fish sterile or otherwise unhealthy. Adult Proteocephalus tapeworms adhere to the inner surface of the gut and shed eggs with the fish feces.

Distribution: Worldwide in freshwater habitats

Detection Methods: Microscopic exam – wet mount, Gross pathology / gross clinical signs

Hosts: Freshwater fish, including perch and salmonids

Target tissue: Intestine