Marine Mammal Parasite of the Month- December 2020

This is a parasite we often find in pinnipeds. Although the most common host is the California sea lion, they are also found in Stellar’s sea lions, northern elephant seals, and Pacific harbor seals. This parasite is usually found in the liver or the adjacent bile duct. It can reach up to 21mm in length and 5mm in width. This parasite also has an oral sucker use for attaching to the host’s organs. What is this parasite and how does it affect pinnipeds?

Posted by Meaghan K.

Meaghan is a fall intern who is majoring in Marine and Freshwater Biology at Colgate University.