Elongate anchor worm [Lernaea elongata]
Description
Lernaea elongata, known as the elongate anchor worm, is a parasitic crustacean that targets both marine and freshwater fish species. Adult females can reach up to 32 mm in length. It is characterized by an elongated, worm-like body and a posterior end modified into an anchor-like structure. It causes significant harm to its hosts, often leading to secondary infections and high mortality rates in aquaculture environments.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Cyclopoida
Cyclopoida
|
| Family |
Lernaeidae
Lernaeidae
|
| Genus |
Lernaea
Lernaea
|