Video: Parasite That Becomes a Fish Tongue

Prepare yourself for your daily dose of gross.

If you’re just about to eat lunch or have a midday snack I would recommend doing so BEFORE viewing this lovely little “Gross Science” clip from NOVA/PBS.

Some of you might be familiar with the Cymothoa Exigua, as these parasites appear on the news from time to time. But for those of you seeing or reading about this for the first time, here’s a reminder to check those fish mouths before you throw them on the BBQ.

These little parasites swim around in the ocean, enter fish through the gills and latch on the back of their tongues. From there they drain said muscle of all life and literally become the fish’s tongue, sucking its blood and feeding on its mucus. It gets even mores disgusting but I’ll spare you the details here.

Take two minutes and watch the weirdest video you’ll see all day.