Cymothoa exigua is an isopod (like crabs or lobster) and is a fish parasite. This crustacean is a marine-louse, if you will. The females can grow to about an inch in length and males about half that. It is the only known organism to replace an entire organ of its host species, in this case, the poor fish’s tongue. It primarily targets the snapper, but has be seen in 7 other other fish species. These organisms are known as a protandric hermaphrodites, which means they start their lives as males and actually switch sexes later on in their life cycle.
~ctto
hit!
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