Author: Leah Vandermeer
Marine Parasite of the Month- July 2021
Some parasites can do crazy things, but this month’s parasite can actually change the gender of a crab. A mud crab-specific parasite, this organism is an invasive barnacle, and commonly found in the Chesapeake Bay area as well as the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and other parts of Florida. It is speculated that they […]
Marine Mammal Parasite of the Month- Answer June 2021
The parasite for this month was Toxoplasma gondii, the toxoplasmosis disease-causing parasite. When marine mammals contract this disease, they can have many different symptoms such as anorexia, increased temperatures, swollen tonsils, and flipper lesions. In a study done by the United States Department of Agriculture, it was found that T. gondii caused mortality in sea […]
Marine Mammal Parasite of the Month- June 2021
This parasite is a protozoan that infects most warm-blooded animals, including humans, and causes the disease toxoplasmosis. As far as marine mammals go, this parasite has been observed in sea otters, manatees, harbor seals, northern fur seals, sea lions, and many cetacean species. Humans can become infected by several routes, including eating under-cooked meat of […]
Marine Mammal Parasite of the Month- April 2021
This type of parasite is common in pinnipeds and there are two different species commonly seen in the seals here at NMLC. Their life cycle remains a small mystery to researchers as there’s not much information regarding it, but patterns reveal that fish are the perfect intermediate hosts for these parasites. The adult form can […]
Marine Mammal Parasite of the Month- March 2021 Answer
The parasite is known as the Bolbosoma species, a member of the Acanthocephala phylum. Due to its appearance, its common name is “thorny-headed worm”. A Bolbosoma infection can be diagnosed through visible larvae in the fecal matter. An animal with abdominal discomfort can also be in indicator of intestinal worms. Unfortunately, no effective treatment has […]
National Marine Life Center
Happy #turtletuesday 🐢🐢!! With the arrival of warmer weather, native turtles emerge from a period of wintertime dormancy known as brumation. As these reptiles emerge
National Marine Life Center
We just wanted to give one last shout-out to our amazing volunteer community in recognition of #VolunteerAppreciationWeek! Though this week is set aside each year
National Marine Life Center
The time has come; it's #wishlistwednesday! In keeping with recent trends, we are kindly asking for disinfecting footbath mats (with high priority to those with