Ornamental Fish Q&A 10
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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. |
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| What is its genus? | Argulus sp.. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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