A cod and friends - Ningaloo Reef

[alcina]

Or maybe they aren't all friends! That's one ugly beastie at the back of his mouth - I think he needs a bigger toothbrush...

 

[Penopolypants]

I wonder if that thing it it's mouth is one of these?

http://elegans.uky.edu/blog/pics/Cymothoa_exigua2.jpg

It's a parasite that attaches itself to the fish's tongue, eventually killing the tongue and replacing it with its own body. Yuck.

 

[ch0ppersrule]

really cool picture. I am never lucky enough to get the fish to open their mouths. If they do I don't have the camera ready.

 

[Larry C]

Great shot!

 

[midwestdvr]

cool photo. I think that thing by the gills is a parasite.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Great shot alcina. Good to have you back...

 

[Jamdiver]

Woaaaaaah!!!!

Yeah Gio, that's an isopod in the cod's mouth.

 

[H2Andy]

holy cow!

what a great picture

and thanks all, for the learning experience

 

[Jcsgt]

Very nice shot! I wouldn't have even seen the critter deep in the mouth had you not referred to him.

 

[alcina]

Thanks, Guys...just going through some folders from last year's dives to see if there is anything salvageable! Finding bits and pieces here and there...