What is the Fish Parasite Tongue-Eating Louse?

It is a crustacean sea louse that lives parasitically in fish. Cymothoa exigua (C.exigua) is the only parasite in the world that replaces an organ of a living being.

Why?

They are widely distributed worldwide. They are frequently seen in gilthead seabream, isparoz, blackeye, and especially sea bass. The presentation of uncontrolled fish to guests can cause aesthetic and health concerns.

How?

These parasites are known as protandric hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as males and later change their sex during their life cycle. Cymothoa exigua (C.exigua) enters through the fish's gills and begins its life cycle; one of them transforms into a female. Then the parasites attach to the base of the fish's tongue and start sucking blood. This process continues until the fish's tongue falls off. Afterwards, the parasite settles in place of the fallen tongue.

Important!

• During fish acceptance, inspection of the mouth interior and gills should be performed.
• During internal and scale cleaning of fish, inspection of the mouth interior and gills should be performed.

Note: There is no information about which other living beings the parasite inhabits outside of fish, nor about the damages it may cause to fish and humans.