Cayman - Picture of the Day

[EastEndDiver]

I have only seen them on Soldierfish I have pictures from way back with them attached not sure if it is becoming more prevalent or not.

Does not seem to inhibit the fish in any way may be symbiotic but have no idea what the benefit to the fish is.

They are always attached in the same location unlike some other parasites which attach anywhere.

 

[EastEndDiver]

Parasitic isopod

Marine Species Identification Portal : Soldierfish isopod - Anilocra laticaudata

 

[cgills]

Parasitic isopod

Marine Species Identification Portal : Soldierfish isopod - Anilocra laticaudata

The larger ones that you see , are females. If you look for shaggy looking ones, it generally will have several small males competing to make the change to female, once the old female falls/dies off. Isopods are in the soon to be released Shrimp book as well.

 

[cgills]

View attachment 488745
Until about a year or so ago, I had never seem one of these parasites attached to a fish. Now I have seen this several times, is it happening more frequently?

I don't think they are any more prevalent than they have been. Maybe more so, now that you have noticed it, your "trained eye" is seeing more of them. That's a good thing!!

 

[EastEndDiver]

"Reef Fishes Corals and Invertebrates of the Caribbean" by Elizabeth and Lawson Wood has pictures and explanations on page 54.

Also

"Reef Creature Identification" by Paul Humann and Ned Deloach explains them on page 238.

Both very good books to have.

 

[Saboteur]

View attachment 488745
Until about a year or so ago, I had never seem one of these parasites attached to a fish. Now I have seen this several times, is it happening more frequently?

He doesn't look happy.

 

[EastEndDiver]

Look close it's not coral....don't see these often anymore.

 

[EastEndDiver]

Land Critter

 

[stronj1]

Gray angelfish

 

[cgills]

Mexichromis kempfi ( Purple Crowned Sea Goddess)