Argulus japonicus
| Argulus japonicus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Ichthyostraca |
| Order: | Arguloida |
| Family: | Argulidae |
| Genus: | Argulus |
| Species: | A. japonicus |
| Binomial name | |
| Argulus japonicus Thiele, 1900 | |
Argulus japonicus, also known as the Japanese fish louse, is a species of crustacean in the family Argulidae. This species is light brown in colour and may be between 4 and 9 mm long and 3 to 6 mm wide. It has a stumpy tail, and is shaped somewhat like a round shield. The female and male are phenotypically distinct, categorizing them as a dioecious species. Although they are not drastically different, their transparent skin highlights the minor differences such as the different copulatory accessories.