divepix - Anilocra Isopod spp

Anilocra Isopod spp

Aspect:	Light brown carapace made of seven main overlapping plates like those of wood roaches (cockroaches), followed by a series of five much smaller ones that constitute the tail. Its small legs are almost invisible and have grips that hook onto the fish. The rear edge of the dorsal plates are slightly lighter in colour.
Population:	Occasional.
Notable feature:	Starts life as a male, but changes gender when approached by another male.
Environment:	Attaches close to eye of fishes and is therefore an ectoparasite.
Behaviour:	A small larva-sized animal first lands on its victim to which it attaches for life. It is not quite clear whether these creatures entirely feed off the fish by sucking its blood, or off passing specs of food passing by as the fish eats its prey, which would account for the preferred position near the mouth. It may use both options.