Image of Aegidae White 1850

Description:

Description: Isopoda Aega sp., possibly Aega bicarinata Leach, 1818. This specimen was caught using a specimen collector. This particular family of Isopoda, the Aegidae, are temporary parasites on marine fishes. They engorge themselves with food (presumably blood), from their hosts, then dislodge and sit on the bottom to digest their meal. The specimen seen here is about 5 cm long from head to tail end.
Item Type: Image
Title: Aega sp.
Copyright: Serpent project
Species: Aega sp.
Behaviour: Probably a temporary parasite, feeding on blood of fish host. The anterior first 3 pairs of pereiopods are hooked to hold on to the host whereas the rest of the pereipods are 'walking legs'.
Site: Arctic -- Barents -- Norway
Site Description: Seafloor
Depth (m): 310
Latitude: 71 deg 00' 00" N
Longitude: 21 deg 00' 00" E
Project Partners: Oceaneering
ROV: Magnum 142
Deposited By: Dr K Kroeger
Deposited On: 16 November 2011