Indian Tuna Louse [Caligus indicus]
Description
The Indian Tuna Louse (Caligus indicus) is a species of parasitic copepods that are found in the Indian Ocean. They are ectoparasites mainly of tuna but can also infest other marine fish species. They have a broad, oval body and are usually 1-2 mm long. The females are larger than the 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
|