Acanthocephala, commonly known as thorny-headed worms, is a type of parasite that commonly infects fish and other aquatic animals. There are several synonyms for this word, including Spiny-headed worms, Thorny-headed worms, and Acanthocephalans. These words are often used interchangeably to describe this group of parasitic organisms. Common characteristics of acanthocephalans include their elongated and spiny body structure, as well as their ability to pierce their host's intestinal wall using their proboscis. These parasites can cause significant damage to their hosts and can be difficult to treat once an infection has occurred. Understanding the different synonyms for acanthocephala can help individuals better understand the complexities of this organism and its impact on the environment.