18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Tongue biter parasite, Cymothoa exigua, on anemonefish.

This anemonefish was behaving strangely, gaping and jawing and appearing very annoyed; the reason became apparent when I glanced in its mouth. Cymothoa exigua detach the tongue of their host by cutting off blood supply, then cleave to the 'stump' in the mouth of the fish. It appears a very uncomfortable arrangement for the fish.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2018
Date Uploaded: 10.2020
Photo Location: Bitung, Indonesia
Camera: NIKON D200
Copyright: © Leah Sindel