What are the ticks that affect fish called? - briefly
The parasites commonly called “ticks” on fish are sea lice, marine copepod crustaceans such as Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus species. They attach to skin, gills, or fins, causing irritation and possible disease.
What are the ticks that affect fish called? - in detail
The ectoparasites that infest fish are commonly referred to as “sea lice” or “fish lice.” They belong to the subclass Copepoda, primarily the families Caligidae and Lepeophtheiridae. Species most frequently encountered in aquaculture and wild populations include:
- Lepeophtheirus salmonis – the salmon louse, a marine caligid copepod that attacks salmonids.
- Caligus spp. – a group of caligid copepods, such as Caligus elongatus and Caligus clemensi, affecting a broad range of marine and freshwater fish.
- Argulus spp. – often called “fish lice” in freshwater contexts; these branchiuran crustaceans attach to the skin and gills of species such as carp and trout.
These organisms are not true ticks (Acari) but share a parasitic lifestyle, feeding on host blood, mucus, and tissue. Their life cycle typically comprises:
- Eggs deposited on the host or substrate.
- Nauplius and copepodid larval stages that are free‑swimming and seek a host.
- Chalimus stage, during which the parasite remains attached by a filament.
- Adult stage, capable of moving freely over the host’s surface and reproducing.
Infestation leads to skin erosion, osmoregulatory stress, reduced growth, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. Management strategies focus on chemical treatments, biological control (e.g., cleaner fish), and integrated husbandry practices to break the parasite’s life cycle.