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.