Ornamental Fish Q&A 10

This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Ornamental Fish Q&A.

Question	Answer		Article
What is the common name of this parasite (×20)?	The fish louse.		Link to Article
What is its genus?	Argulus sp..		Link to Article
How does it feed?	This parasite feeds by piercing the skin with its sharp stylet (visible along the ventral midline of the animal) and then sucking up body fluids with its mouth parts.		Link to Article
What are the major clinical concerns with this parasite?	Although a light Argulus infection is rarely fatal, the parasites irritate the skin, making the fish stressed and uncomfortable. A heavy fish louse infestation may allow opportunistic pathogens to infect the host, and fish lice are known directly to transmit bacterial and viral diseases.		Link to Article