---

Acanthocephala the thorny-headed worms are one of the important parasites of vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Several species are also reported from humans. This communication deals with a world record of acanthocephala of more than 200 years. A complete list of species belonging to various genera and families is given. Representative diagrams of each of the families are provided. In addition, structures of eggs, developmental stages and anatomical features are also included. This is the first comprehensive record of acanthocephala from 1775 to 1998. This report is an addition to the scientific literature and is valuable for the students of parasitology, teachers and research workers in this field of study.

---