Nature rocks!

[jamayia]

My biology teacher thought telling us about this parasite in class was too gross, but I actually think it's really awesome and weird.

DON'T READ THE FOLLOWING IF YOU'RE EASILY DISGUSTED:

This parasite attaches itself at the base of the spotted rose snapper's (Lutjanus guttatus) tongue, entering the fish's mouth through its gills. It then proceeds

Comments

[polyphonicvegan]

If I could do math and science well, I'd seriously consider becoming* an entomologist, although parasitology is pretty awesome too.

To quote my favorite biology professor in college: "If you like penises, you'll LOVE bugs!"

*annnnnnd so is marine biology, especially deep sea studies, and every other kind of biology I have ever heard of!

[jimmi_vacant]

DUUUDE WTF!!!! That is both the greatest and worst thing I have ever heard of. OMG...

[jimmi_vacant]

Yup...OMG ANNNND WTF in the same posting.

[rejoicingapathy]

It sounds like someone needs a link to Cracked.com's 7 Most Horrifying Parasites on the Planet article! I think it's you. I also highly recommend The 5 Most Horrifying Bugs in the World.

[jamayia]

Awesome, thank you!

[rejoicingapathy]

And this one!

Man, I love Cracked.

[jamayia]

My biology lab actually has one of those deathstalker scorpions! They keep it in a sealed glass case, but I got to look at it last week. It was huge and terrifying. (And awesome.)

[vovat]

Wow, a parasite that becomes a fish tongue? That sounds like it could make an interesting cartoon series. {g}

I'm just glad I traded my red snapper for what was in the box!

[hiphorrific]

That seems less gross and more benevolent. It'd be nice if all parasites paid for what they took like this little guy.