Aega psora

Aega psora
Aega psora
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Isopoda
Suborder: Cymothoida
Family: Aegidae
Genus: Aega
Species: A. psora
Binomial name
Aega psora
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms
  • Oniscus psora Linnaeus, 1758
  • Aega emarginata Leach, 1818

Aega psora is a species of isopod crustacean that parasitises a number of fish species. It reaches 15 millimetres (0.59 in) long, and is mostly grey, with a faint dorsal stripe.[1] It is a serious parasite of larger species of fish, particularly when they are injured.[1] As an adaptation to its parasitic lifestyle, A. psora has no antennae.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Sven Gehrmann (2008). "Schmarotzerassel, Aega psora (Linnaeus, 1758)" (in German). Niedere Tiere I: Krebstiere, Asselspinnen, Ringelwürmer, Stachelhäuter, Manteltiere & Schwämme. Die Fauna der Nordsee. 1. Books on Demand. p. 40. ISBN 9783981255300. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=to57u19My9EC&pg=PA40.