Leeches are part of the Annelida family, class Clitellata. There are currently about 700 known species of which 100 are marine, 90 terrestrial and the rest live in fresh waters.
Feeding leeches
Most leeches are predators, they feed by swallowing other invertebrates. The attack is in the form of an ambush.
Blood-sucking leeches have 3 teeth (or fangs) arranged at an angle with which they make their way to the blood vein.
Most species have suction cups that feed on both ends. Over time they develop different behaviors when exploring the environment.
Features leeches
Most leeches live in freshwater environments.
The most popular species of leeches is Hirudo medicinalis which feeds on blood. It has been used in medicine for thousands of years. Beginning in the 18th century in India and Greece, and later in Europe and America.
Medicinal leeches. Treatments with leeches. Hirudotherapy.
Anatomy of leeches
Their body is made up of segments. The first 4-5 segments make up the Leech's head, and contain the brain and suction cup on which it feeds. In the next 20 segments are the reproductive organs. The last segments are the tail and anterior suction cup.
Leeches for fishing
In our country leeches can be found in backwaters (swamps, ponds, canals) and most often they are used as bait when fishing for catfish, carp or barbel.
The heads are cut off and blood seeping into the water notifies the fish in the area. There are different ways in which they can be used: if left whole come larger fish, and pieces for clean or perch.
Breeding leeches
Leeches are hermaphrodites (they have both male and female reproductive organs ). They reproduce by mutual fertilization.
Types of leeches
Medicinal leech
Horse Barnacle (they stick to the nostrils of horses when they adapt)
Tiger Leech
Dog Leech (green Leech)
