Tongue eating isopod

[Humblefish]

Most of you will never encounter something like this, but I figured I'd start a thread about it anyway.

See links below for more info:

http://phenomena.nationalgeographic...e-eating-fish-parasites-never-cease-to-amaze/

http://www.wired.com/2013/11/absurd...rasite-that-eats-and-replaces-a-fishs-tongue/

 

[Humblefish]

A friend of mine (Cody aka Arkaeus) unfortunately did encounter this creature and below are his pics to prove it:

 

[Humblefish]

I mean, you gotta admit, the thing is kinda cute. ;)

 

[twilliard]

Ya but so wrong!
do you know if the fish survived?

 

[Humblefish]

Imagine looking at one of your clownfish and seeing this (taken from one of the articles above):

 

[Humblefish]

Ya but so wrong!
do you know if the fish survived?

I don't think any fish survives it. Haven't researched possible treatments yet. But if you QT, this thing will show itself before the fish ever enters your DT and these little buggers wreck havoc in there. :eek: