Anisakis simplex
A Marine Parasite
Classification
Anisakis simplex translates from the Latin to "the simple form" of Anisakis. It can first be classified by structural characteristics it possesses and then, upon reaching the genus level, it is best distinguished from other species on a molecular level.
Domain Eukarya
The shared characteristics of this domain include membrane enclosed organelles, a true nucleus, introns in genes and linear chromosomes.
Kingdom Animalia
The organisms included within this kingdom are multicellular, heterotrophic, and usually motile at some point during development.
Phylum Nematoda
Members of this phylum are round and unsegmented with a vermiform body plan, and are possessed of a pseudocoelum.
Class Secernentea (Chromadorea)
This class is defined by the presence of caudal papillae and an excretory system with lateral canals.
Order Ascaridida
This order includes the parasitic roundworms with three lip structures.
Family Anisakidae
The creatures that belong to this family generally dwell in the intestines of their host and are usually found in marine environments.
Genus Anisakis
A cecum which is longer than that of other worm-like nematodes is characteristic of this genus.
Species A. simplex
Anisakis simplex is distinguished by its larval stages and its molecular sequences, which differ from other similar species.
The following is tree diagram that should clarify the position of Anisakis simplex within the whole scheme of classification. The branches of this tree are based on physiological characteristics. Ascaridida Phylogenetic Tree
This tree focuses specifically on the genus Anisakis, and shows which organisms Anisakis simplex is most closely related to. The individual branchings of this tree are based on molecular sequences, and thus those physically closest on the tree are the most molecularly similar. Anisakis Molecular Species Tree