Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

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