Atlantic Mackerel Worm [Lernaeenicus atlanticus]
Description
Lernaeenicus atlanticus, the Atlantic Mackerel Worm, is a marine parasitic copepod that infects the gills of mackerel. It is a small, elongated creature, with females being larger and more complex in structure than males. It can cause significant damage to the host fish, impacting its ability to breathe and overall health.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Siphonostomatoida
Siphonostomatoida
|
| Family |
Lernaeopodidae
Lernaeopodidae
|
| Genus |
Lernaeenicus
Lernaeenicus
|