Carapace anchor worm [Lernaea carassii]
Description
Lernaea carassii, or the carapace anchor worm, is a parasitic copepod. It is similar in appearance and behavior to L. cyprinacea. It uses its anchor-like posterior to attach itself to the gills, skin, or fins of freshwater fish. It is a significant pest in fish farms and can cause considerable damage to its host, leading to secondary infections and sometimes death.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Cyclopoida
Cyclopoida
|
| Family |
Lernaeidae
Lernaeidae
|
| Genus |
Lernaea
Lernaea
|