Argulus

/ˈɑrɡjələs/ noun

Definition

A genus of parasitic crustaceans, commonly known as fish lice, that attach to fish and feed on their blood and tissues.

Etymology

From Greek Argus, the hundred-eyed giant of mythology, whose name was applied to this creature, possibly due to its spotted appearance. Linnaeus named it in the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Argulus keeps the mythological Argus alive in biology—the thousand-eyed monster guarding something now guards the literal worst thing that could happen to a fish.

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