Argulidae

Argulidae is a family of parasitic branchiuran crustaceans, commonly called fish lice, that attach to freshwater and marine fishes.

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Branchiura: Branchiura is a subclass of crustaceans whose members are ectoparasites of fishes. Argulidae is the living family most commonly placed within this crustacean subclass.
Suctorial organ: A suctorial organ is a specialized structure that creates attachment by suction. Argulid adults use paired suction discs to grip a fish's surface.
Fish louse infestation: A fish louse infestation occurs when argulid parasites attach to and feed on fish. This is the host-level condition caused by members of the family.
Copepoda: Copepoda is a large crustacean group that includes free-living species and fish parasites. Parasitic copepods also infest fish, but they are not branchiurans.
Crustacea: Crustacea is a diverse group of arthropods that includes crabs, shrimp, and copepods. Argulidae belongs to this broader arthropod group.
Maxillule: A maxillule is a crustacean appendage associated with feeding or handling food. Argulids modify their maxillules into hooks that help anchor them to hosts.
Aquaculture: Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, including fish and shellfish. Crowded rearing conditions can allow argulids to spread among farmed fish.
Lernaeidae: Lernaeidae is a family of parasitic copepods that includes anchor worms. Anchor worms resemble fish lice as external parasites but belong to Copepoda.
Ectoparasite: An ectoparasite lives on the external surface of its host and obtains resources from it. Argulids attach to fishes rather than living inside them.
Stylet: A stylet is a slender piercing structure used to penetrate tissue or deliver substances. Argulids use a piercing mouthpart to feed on host fluids and tissues.