Philichthyids [Philichthyidae]

Description

Philichthyidae, or Philichthyids, are a unique family of copepods known for their parasitic lifestyle, specifically targeting fish. They have a distinctive life cycle that involves the copepod embedding itself in the flesh or the cavity of the fish host. This family is remarkable for the way some species can manipulate the behavior or characteristics of their host to enhance their own survival and dispersal.

Genera

Taxonomy