Salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) Science Image

Ref: 80016826i



Salmon louse. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the underside of a salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). This marine copepod crustacean is parasitic on salmon fish, attaching to its host and feeding on its skin. This can lead to infections and the deterioration of the fish's health. The salmon louse is a major problem in aquaculture, the farming of fish. In the dense fish populations found in marine salmon farms, louse numbers can grow rapidly. Infestation severely reduces the quality and quantity of the fish harvest. Treatment methods include pesticides and the use of smaller fish that eat the lice. Magnification: x10 at 6x7cm size.