Poacher Parasites

[dwashbur]

We found this guy at Redondo, just off the pipe boat, on Sunday afternoon. At first I wondered what kind of poacher has antlers. It's amazing to me that the worms or whatever those things are that have attached themselves to his head are almost as big as he is. I can't help wondering what they are and what kind of harm they might be doing?

[Leslie]

Leeches, doing what leeches do best.... or worst, depending on your point of view. At least they will drop off once full unlike many other parsites which stay with the host until it dies.

[archaeofish]

Great pictures of my mystery poacher!
I was down at Sunnyside Beach Park on Monday and saw a bunch of these poachers but didn't have a camera. I have been trying to identify them from memory, but without a picture it has been tough. Do you know what species these are?

Ross (archaeofish)

[dwashbur]

They're pygmy poachers. That much I knew, I just had never seen one with gazelle-like antlers before :geek:

[nwscubamom]

Poor Pygmy!!! That's totally creepy, Dave. Nice catch on 'film'.

<shudder>

- Janna

[Zen Diver]

I think I found your poacher Dave, also at Redondo, last night