What Do Sea Lice Look Like?

Sea lice are a common threat to swimmers

Sea lice are the most common threat to swimmers and divers in the ocean. Sea lice are not parasites that feed on fish but rather stinking larvae that can pose real complications to humans.

Sea Lice

Microscopic larvae from stinging fish that possess nematocysts (the stinging agent common in jellyfish) swim in the ocean and can become trapped inside a swimmer or divers bathing suit. Being trapped causes the sea lice to fire, resulting in painful stings to the host.

Appearance of Sea Lice

Sea lice are just large enough to be visible out of the water, but in water they are almost impossible to recognize. They are approximately half a millimeter in length.

Appearance in Water

Sea lice swim together in swarms. The clusters of sea lice can grow so large that entire areas of the ocean are covered in them.

Appearance of Symptoms

It is often difficult to recognize the sea lice themselves, so knowing the initial symptoms of attack are crucial. Small, raised blisters that burn or itch may be the only sign of sea lice contact.

Avoiding Sea Lice Stings

Because sea lice are rarely seen in the water, it is important to remove bathing suits and shower immediately after swimming in infested waters to prevent being stung.

References

• sealicecancun.com
• umarine.edu