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Cymothoa exigua 2003.ppt

Cymothoa exigua is a parasitic crustacean of the family Cymothoidae. It tends to be 3 to 4 cm long. This parasite attaches itself at the base of the spotted rose snapper's tongue, entering the fish's mouth through its gills. It then proceeds to extract blood through the claws on its front three pairs of legs. As the parasite grows, less and less blood reaches the tongue, and eventually the organ atrophies from lack of blood. The parasite then replaces the fish's tongue by attaching its own body to the muscles of the tongue stub. The fish is able to use the parasite just like a normal tongue. This is the only known case of a parasite functionally replacing a host organ.

·        Population : N/A

·        Habitat

Fish’s mouth (especially spotted rose snapper’s mouth)

·        Habits / Behavior

These parasites are sometimes seen on the floor of a fish’s mouth ‘replacing’ the tongue.

·        Diet

They do not eat scraps of the host's food. They eat fish’s blood from their host’s tongue.

·        Relationship with other animals (Host)

It appears that the parasite does not cause any other damage to the host fish. It replaces the tongue; some feed on the host's blood and many others feed on fish mucous.

·        Relationship with humans : N/A

·        Any relevant laws or regulations on this animal  : N/A

LasVegas.doc

Replaces fish tongues.doc

Cymothoa exigua 2003.ppt