Donald Hobern, Australien
Info
Argulus foliaceus was originally known from freshwater ponds with hobby fish such as koi and goldfish, then also in commercial fish ponds.
This small crustacean lives as an ectoparasite on various fish species and tadpoles, but also spreads to other vertebrates.
The parasite enters ponds and marine waters with a low salt content, such as the Baltic Sea, via aquatic plants, birds and fish stock, and is also often found in the brackish water of estuaries, provided there is a fish population.
Argulus foliaceus attaches itself to the skin of the fish host with its two suction cups and drills a hole in the fish skin with the help of its mouthparts, injecting a blood-clotting substance into the fish.
The louse sucks blood and body fluids with its proboscis. Fish in the juvenile phase can be so weakened by this ectoparasite that they die.
If the louse, which does not grow larger than 1 mm, is not seen, then the reddish skin inflammations are noticeable, into which bacteria and fungi can penetrate in the worst cases.
As a rule, the lice drop their host once the offspring (eggs) have been laid.
This small crustacean lives as an ectoparasite on various fish species and tadpoles, but also spreads to other vertebrates.
The parasite enters ponds and marine waters with a low salt content, such as the Baltic Sea, via aquatic plants, birds and fish stock, and is also often found in the brackish water of estuaries, provided there is a fish population.
Argulus foliaceus attaches itself to the skin of the fish host with its two suction cups and drills a hole in the fish skin with the help of its mouthparts, injecting a blood-clotting substance into the fish.
The louse sucks blood and body fluids with its proboscis. Fish in the juvenile phase can be so weakened by this ectoparasite that they die.
If the louse, which does not grow larger than 1 mm, is not seen, then the reddish skin inflammations are noticeable, into which bacteria and fungi can penetrate in the worst cases.
As a rule, the lice drop their host once the offspring (eggs) have been laid.
