Lernaea (Anchorworm) Infestations in Fish

Abstract

Lernaea species, commonly known as “anchorworms,” are crustacean, copepod parasites that can infect and cause disease and mortality in many types of freshwater fishes, especially wild-caught and pond-raised species. Infestations with Lernaea are most prevalent in the summer months and occur more commonly in stagnant or slow-moving water bodies. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Natalie Steckler and Roy P. E. Yanong and published by the UF Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, December 2012. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa185