South African Gill Isopod [Elthusa parva]
Description
Elthusa parva, also known as the South African Gill Isopod, is a parasitic isopod found in the gills of marine fish off the coast of South Africa. The species has a dorsoventrally flattened body and a large, shield-like carapace. The isopod latches onto the gills of its host and feeds on the host's blood.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Crustaceans
Malacostraca
|
| Order |
Isopods
Isopoda
|
| Family |
Cymothoidae
Cymothoidae
|
| Genus |
Elthusa
Elthusa
|