Argulus foliaceus

Argulus foliaceus

Kingdom:    Animalia

Phylum:      Arthropoda

Subphylum: Crustacea

Class:            Maxillopoda

Subclass:     Branchiura

Order:         Arguloida

Family:       Argulidae

Genus:        Argulus

Species:      Argulus foliaceus

 

the common fish louse, lives in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. usually a fish, via its suction cups, pierces the skin with its sharp stylet, and feeds on blood. A heavy infestation causes inflammation of the skin, open hemorrhaging wounds, increased production of mucus, loss of scales, and corrosion of the fins. The fish can become anemic. The damage and infection cause stress and mortality.

Argulus is very flat with an oval or rounded carapace, two compound eyes, sucking mouthparts with a piercing stylet, and two suction cups it uses to attach to its host. Its paired appendages have hooks and spines and are used for swimming.