Editing Anisakis (section)

==Morphology==
[[File:So4b-08.jpg|thumb|right|A scanning electron micrograph of the mouthparts of ''A. simplex'']]
Anisakis share the common features of all nematodes: the [[wikt:vermiform|vermiform]] body plan, round in [[cross section (geometry)|cross section]], and a lack of [[segmentation (biology)|segmentation]]. The body cavity is reduced to a narrow [[body cavity|pseudocoel]]. The [[Mouth (animal)|mouth]] is located [[anterior]]ly and surrounded by projections used in feeding and sensation, with the [[anus]] slightly offset from the [[Posterior (anatomy)|posterior]]. The [[squamous epithelium]] secretes a layered [[cuticle]] to protect the body from digestive acids.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

As with all parasites with a complex life cycle involving several hosts, details of the morphology vary depending on the host and life cycle stage. In the stage that infects fish, ''Anisakis'' species are found in a distinctive "watch-spring coil" shape. They are roughly two centimeters long when uncoiled. When in the final host, anisakids are longer, thicker, and more sturdy, to deal with the hazardous environment of a mammalian gut.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}