Question

The ectoparasite Lernaea sp is commonly called

• A. Ich worm
• B. Anchor worm
• C. Tape worm
• D. Fish lice

Hint:

Crustacean Fish Ectoparasites:
Lernaea spp. = ANCHOR WORM (Modified Copepod).
Argulus spp. = FISH LICE (Branchiura).
Ergasilus spp. = GILL MAGGOT (Copepod).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Crustacean ectoparasites of freshwater fishes: parasitic female copepods of genus Lernaea anchor deeply into host musculature using cephalic horn-like anchor processes.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In fish parasitology and aquaculture health management:
- {Lernaea spp. (e.g., Lernaea cyprinacea, Lernaea bhadraensis):
- A modified parasitic freshwater Copepod (Crustacea) commonly known as the 'Anchor Worm'.
- Only the adult female is parasitic: she undergoes extreme morphological modification, shedding appendages and developing four prominent branching, horn-like cephalic processes that burrow deeply and anchor permanently into the skin, muscle, and fin bases of freshwater carps and catfishes, causing ulceration, hemorrhage, and secondary bacterial aeromonad infections.
- (Fish lice refers to Argulus spp.).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, Lernaea sp is commonly called Anchor worm, corresponding to option (B).