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Description
The Hemiclepsis marginata, commonly known as a parasitic leech was identified by KJ Muller in 1774. This species of leech is seemingly rare and feeds on the tissues of molluscs, amphibians, and fishes. Several have been documented, most indicating a green/brown coloration with ridges on the body and cilia on the sides/underbelly for movement.

Geographic distribution
This species of leech is mainly found in the Al-Hindyia River /Babil Province in Iraq. It also inhabits parts of Europe and Asia, however, it is rare. When not attached to a host, these leeches can be found in benthic freshwater areas and thrive in stagnant waters, ponds, and streams.

Parasitic behavior
H. marginata carry an infectious pancreatic necrosis virus referred to as IPNV. This virus is important in regards to how it affects fish pathogens. H. marginata is mainly found in areas that are polluted with untreated sewage. In addition, they are found in close proximity to fish farms which suggest they are one of the main causes of IPNV within the farmed fish. H. marginata feed on fish tissue, known as leechiosis, and infect the fish through such transaction.

Leechiosis
H. marginata feed on species like the silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) brooders and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings that are densely populated in Eqyptian fish hatcheries. The infested fish had red to white marks, severe hemorrhages, and dark contracted worms attached to their flesh. This parasitic behavior affected the fishes ability to produce adequately weighted eggs, hatching percentage and reproduction chances in general.

Nutrient absorption
It is suggested that H. marginata may have a coevolutionary relationship with bacteria that provides it with sufficient nutrients for growth and maintenance.

Lifecycle
There has been little research performed on the life cycle stages of this specific leech. With most freshwater leeches, for example the Alboglossiphonia polypompholyx in Egypt, the leech is bred and almost immediately searches for a host. The feeding time ranges between weeks to months at a time before the parasite must find a new host.