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 |