Seabird Louse [Cardiodectes]

Description

Cardiodectes is a genus of copepods that parasitize marine fishes and occasionally seabirds. Species within this genus are known for their unique life cycle, which includes a free-swimming larval stage before they attach to a host. These copepods are particularly noted for their heart-shaped cephalothorax and their ability to induce the formation of cysts on the skin of their hosts.