---
title: "Scariest creature Tongue-eating louse"  
description: "A brief explanation about the tongue-eating louse and its bizarre facts"  
author: "Anjita D."  
published: 2023-10-31  
canonical: https://yourviews.mindstick.com/story/3060/scariest-creature-tongue-eating-louse  
category: "animals"  
tags: ["Tongue-eating louse", "facts", "general knowledge"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# Scariest creature Tongue-eating louse

![Scariest creature Tongue eating louse](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/961d6323-8ae3-4610-8731-499068a96dec/images/818a67b0-cfa6-45fe-a555-8a832ea492b1.jpeg) ![Scariest creature Tongue eating louse](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/961d6323-8ae3-4610-8731-499068a96dec/images/2480adf8-c4a0-43b2-9d6e-83edb8632e03.jpeg) The tongue-eating louse also known as Cymothoa exigua is a parasitic isopod that lives in fish mouths. ![Scariest creature Tongue eating louse](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/961d6323-8ae3-4610-8731-499068a96dec/images/31da23ce-c05e-4094-89a5-6d305c608304.jpeg) It is found in tropical and subtropical waters, enters fish through gills, attaches to the tongue, severs blood vessels, and becomes fish's new tongue ![Scariest creature Tongue eating louse](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/961d6323-8ae3-4610-8731-499068a96dec/images/c3103a86-f3a2-4601-98a2-fc52bab3fa76.jpeg) Despite not causing discomfort, hindering fish feeding, potentially leading to weight loss, weakened blood and mucus, and increased infection risk. ![Scariest creature Tongue eating louse](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/961d6323-8ae3-4610-8731-499068a96dec/images/10a69c14-401d-4334-92b0-1f0c648fcdd8.jpeg) Scientists are exploring the tongue-eating louse, a fascinating parasite that is the only one known to replace a host organ. ![Scariest creature Tongue eating louse](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/stories/961d6323-8ae3-4610-8731-499068a96dec/images/cbe407a6-e62a-4f8e-bf90-985a00ebc8ce.jpeg) They are not dangerous to humans, but they can be a nuisance to fishermen by making it difficult or impossible to sell their catch.

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Original Source: https://yourviews.mindstick.com/story/3060/scariest-creature-tongue-eating-louse

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