Atlantic Tuna Louse [Caligus bonito]
Description
The Atlantic Tuna Louse (Caligus bonito) is a species of parasitic copepods found mainly in the Atlantic Ocean. They are ectoparasites of marine fish, especially tuna. The adult louse is about 1-2 mm long and has a broad, oval body. Females are larger than males. They attach themselves to the skin, gills, or mouth of the host fish and feed on its blood and mucus.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Siphonostomatoida
Siphonostomatoida
|
| Family |
Pennellidae
Pennellidae
|
| Genus |
Tuna Louse
Protosarcotretes
|