Cymothoa [Cymothoa]

Description

Cymothoa is a genus known for its members that are obligate parasites of fish. These isopods are sometimes called 'tongue-eating lice' because certain species are known to consume and replace the tongue of their host. The body is usually flattened, allowing it to fit closely to the surface of the host.

Species

Tongue-eating louse [Cymothoa exigua]

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Smooth tongue-eating louse [Cymothoa borbonica]

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Atlantic tongue-eating louse [Cymothoa oestrum]

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Pacific tongue-eating louse [Cymothoa pacifica]

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Taxonomy