The anterior adhesive areas and haptor of the viviparous monogenean skin parasite Macrogyrodactylus congolensis were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The worm has two head lobes, each provided with a single, ventrally located adhesive area. This adhesive area has few adhesive papillae. The tegument covering the adhesive papillae is microvillous and penetrated by many small and a few large gland duct openings. There is a single spike-like and a dome-shaped sense organ associated with each adhesive area. The possible functions of the microvilli and sensory structures and the role they might play in the temporary attachment of the adhesive areas are discussed. The haptor is cup-shaped and possesses an anterior and two lateral rows of papillae, the possible function of which was also discussed. There is good evidence to suggest a suctorial mechanism for the haptor during its attachment to the host skin and fins. The hamuli may insert into the host tissue while the marginal hooklets were found to play a relatively small part in attachment.