Parasitic Fish Louse [Anilocra capensis]
Description
Anilocra capensis, or the parasitic fish louse, is a species of marine isopod found in the waters around South Africa. It is known for its parasitic nature, attaching itself to the body of fish and feeding off the host's blood. The body is dorsoventrally flattened with an elongated shape. It has large compound eyes and two pairs of antennae. Females are larger than males and can reach lengths of up to 40mm.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Crustaceans
Malacostraca
|
| Order |
Isopods
Isopoda
|
| Family |
Cymothoidae
Cymothoidae
|
| Genus |
Anilocra
Anilocra
|