Japanese Fish Louse [Argulus japonicus]
Description
Argulus japonicus, or the Japanese Fish Louse, is a species of fish louse native to East Asia but is now found worldwide. It is a parasite that infests both marine and freshwater fish. Adults are usually 6-8mm long and have a round, flattened body. They are usually greenish or brownish in color. They attach themselves to the skin, fins, and gills of fish, causing significant damage and stress to the host.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Siphonostomatoida
Siphonostomatoida
|
| Family |
Pennellidae
Pennellidae
|
| Genus |
Fish Louse
Lernaeenicus
|