Sea lice are within the family Caligidae, of the order Siphonostomatoida. They are one of the rare animals described in this website that I will NOT speak wonderfully about! Whilst they are a great food source for Weedy Sea Dragons and I am sure countless other animals, mostly these gross little bugs are parasites that cause itching and legions on many fish in the sea.
I have seen seahorses riddled in sea lice who did not look pleased about it.
I have seen an Eastern Blue Groper who looked physically uncomfortable as these nasty bugs crawled all over his skin with him having no chance to remove them. In this case I first of all wondered why the Groper was being so friendly and rubbing himself against my leg. I soon realised why, and was quite honestly disturbed at the sight!
Using my macro lens I have started to notice these little critters all over the place. In the photos below I have circled them to help show their size. Yuk!
I have seen seahorses riddled in sea lice who did not look pleased about it.
I have seen an Eastern Blue Groper who looked physically uncomfortable as these nasty bugs crawled all over his skin with him having no chance to remove them. In this case I first of all wondered why the Groper was being so friendly and rubbing himself against my leg. I soon realised why, and was quite honestly disturbed at the sight!
Using my macro lens I have started to notice these little critters all over the place. In the photos below I have circled them to help show their size. Yuk!
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