Gulf crab louse [Cancrincola gulfensis]
Description
Cancrincola gulfensis, or the Gulf crab louse, is a species of crab louse endemic to the Gulf of Mexico. This parasitic crustacean spends its life attached to the gills of its host, the blue crab. It is characterized by its small size, white coloration, and the distinctive shape of its thorax, which has a central bulge and two lateral depressions. The Gulf crab louse is typically found in marine environments with high salinity.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Harpacticoida
Harpacticoida
|
| Family |
Cancrincolidae
Cancrincolidae
|
| Genus |
Cancrincola
Cancrincola
|