WebOct 21, 2024 · The park shared the photo of an Atlantic Croaker that was hosting a “parasitic isopod called a tongue-eating louse.” “This parasite detaches the fish’s tongue, attaches … WebOct 23, 2024 · Inside this Atlantic Croaker’s mouth is a parasitic isopod called a tongue-eating louse. This parasite detaches the fish’s tongue, attaches itself to the fish’s mouth, and becomes its tongue."

Tongue-eating parasite found in fish at Galveston Island State Park

WebTongue Eating Louse Facts Though obviously, the Tongue Eating Louse would constitute a less than appealing creature for most people, scientifically speaking it forms a remarkable adaptation. This remains an … WebMay 11, 2024 · According to a 1983 research paper, the louse ‘replaces the mechanical function of the tongue’ by helping the fish hold prey against the roof of its mouth while it feeds. fairbanks to seattle air miles

Behold the parasite that eats — and then becomes — a fish

Cymothoa exigua, or the tongue-eating louse, is a parasitic isopod of the family Cymothoidae. It enters fish through the gills. The female attaches to the tongue, while the male attaches to the gill arches beneath and behind the female. Females are 8–29 mm (0.3–1.1 in) long and 4–14 mm (0.16–0.55 in) wide. Males are about 7.5–15 mm (0.3–0.6 in) long and 3–7 mm (0.12–0.28 in) wid… WebMar 15, 2024 · The Tongue-Eating Louse: An Overview. The tongue-eating louse is an isopod, a type of marine animal that includes crabs and shrimp. The female lice can grow up to an inch in length, while males are usually about half that size. What makes this creature particularly interesting is that every single Cymothoa exigua starts off as a male, but once ... WebFeb 28, 2013 · Tongue-Eating Fish Parasites Never Cease to Amaze. NOVA put together a video, embedded below, about one of those animals that you have to keep persuading yourself is real, a parasitic crustacean ... dogs for rehoming macclesfield