Live Booted Fish Louse (Caligus spp.)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.
The Booted Fish Louse (Caligus spp.) is a parasitic marine copepod found externally attached to the skin and fins of host fish, most commonly salmon. These tiny brown crustaceans feed on mucus and tissue, playing an important ecological role in understanding host-parasite relationships and marine health dynamics. Collected from Maine’s coastal waters by boat-dragged net, each specimen is carefully separated and prepared for research or classroom study. Ideal for parasitology, marine biology, and aquaculture research, this rare specimen offers a unique look into the world of marine parasites.
Key Facts:
Common name: Booted fish louse
Scientific name: Caligus spp.
Locations: Attached externally to host fish, commonly salmon
Seasonality: Available all year
Color: Brown
Size: ¼” – ½”
Collected: By boat-dragged net
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com
Live Booted Fish Louse (Caligus spp.)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.
The Booted Fish Louse (Caligus spp.) is a parasitic marine copepod found externally attached to the skin and fins of host fish, most commonly salmon. These tiny brown crustaceans feed on mucus and tissue, playing an important ecological role in understanding host-parasite relationships and marine health dynamics. Collected from Maine’s coastal waters by boat-dragged net, each specimen is carefully separated and prepared for research or classroom study. Ideal for parasitology, marine biology, and aquaculture research, this rare specimen offers a unique look into the world of marine parasites.
Key Facts:
Common name: Booted fish louse
Scientific name: Caligus spp.
Locations: Attached externally to host fish, commonly salmon
Seasonality: Available all year
Color: Brown
Size: ¼” – ½”
Collected: By boat-dragged net
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com
Tidepool Tim says, “Fish parasite! Sea lice are marine ectoparasites (ecto=outside). They attach externally to fish and feed on their mucus, epidermal tissue, and blood. These creatures are the “pests” of fish farming. They have earned headlines for their decimation of wild and farmed Atlantic salmon. Effective and natural prevention of fish lice is global need.”
