SIPHUNCULATA Meaning and
Definition
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Siphunculata is a taxonomic order of small, external parasites that are known to infest a variety of marine and freshwater crustaceans. These organisms, commonly referred to as fish lice or fish louse, are classified within the class Branchiura.
Members of the order Siphunculata are characterized by their flattened body shape and their ability to attach firmly to the host's body, typically near the gills or on the fins. They possess a powerful, piercing mouthpart called a stylet, which allows them to feed on the blood, mucus, and epithelial tissue of the host.
These parasites are considered significant pests in aquaculture and fisheries industries, as they can negatively impact the health and growth of their host, leading to economic losses. Infestations commonly lead to skin lesions, tissue damage, inflammation, and secondary infections.
The life cycle of Siphunculata typically involves the release of eggs from the female, which hatch into free-swimming larvae called nauplius. After a brief period, the larvae seek out suitable hosts to attach to, where they undergo several molting stages before reaching adulthood. The entire life cycle is completed on the host, with each individual capable of producing a large number of eggs, contributing to the rapid multiplication and spread of these parasites within fish populations.
Overall, Siphunculata represents a group of ectoparasitic crustaceans that pose a significant threat to the health and productivity of marine and freshwater aquatic organisms, particularly fish. Efforts to develop effective control measures, including chemical treatments and improved husbandry practices, are ongoing in order to mitigate the impact of these parasites on aquatic ecosystems and human industries.
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An order of suctorial insects which includes the lice.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SIPHUNCULATA
- aiphunculata
- ziphunculata
- xiphunculata
- diphunculata
- eiphunculata
- wiphunculata
- suphunculata
- sjphunculata
- skphunculata
- sophunculata
- s9phunculata
- s8phunculata
- siohunculata
- silhunculata
- si-hunculata
- si0hunculata
- sipgunculata
- sipbunculata
- sipnunculata
- sipjunculata
Etymology of SIPHUNCULATA
The word "Siphunculata" has its origin in Latin and Greek. "Siphunculus" is a Latin word meaning "little siphon", derived from "siphon" meaning "tube" or "pipe". In Greek, "siphunculata" (σίφουνκουλατα) is a plural form derived from "siphunculus".
The term "Siphunculata" is used in taxonomy to refer to a subclass of insects that includes the order Siphonaptera (fleas). This group of insects was given this name due to the presence of a unique anatomical structure called the siphon or siphuncle, which acts as a tube-like respiratory organ and plays a role during the feeding process.
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