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Ommatokoita elongata is a 30 mm (1.2 in) long pinkish-white parasitic copepod, frequently found permanently attached to the corneas of the Greenland shark and Pacific sleeper shark. [3] [4] [5] The parasites cause severe visual impairment, but it is thought that the sharks do not rely on keen eyesight for their survival. [4]
7 sty 2022 · Ommatokoita elongata attach themselves to the eyes of Greenland sharks and can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) long, according to the Encyclopedia of Life. The eye parasite tends to...
It is common for Greenland sharks to be found with a parasitic copepod (which kind of looks like a long, white worm) attached to the cornea of their eye. The parasite hangs on until it is ready to breed, and falls off after producing eggs before being replaced by another.
The eyes from six Greenland sharks, Somniosus microcephalus (Bloch & Schneider), infected with the parasitic copepod Ommatokoita elongata (Grant) were collected in the Arctic waters of Victor Bay, North-west Territories, Canada, for study.
The eyes from six Greenland sharks, Somniosus microcephalus (Bloch and Schneider), infected with the parasitic copepod Ommatokoita elongata (Grant) were collected in the Arctic waters of Victor Bay, North-west Territories, Canada, for study.
11 lis 2021 · This crustacean parasite is found on both eyes of most Greenland sharks, and feeds on the corneal tissue, scarring the eyes. It is presumed that the shark becomes nearly blind as a result. There is some speculation that the parasites might benefit the shark by attracting small prey, but this has never been demonstrated.
What Is the Greenland Shark Eye Parasite? The tiny pest that plagues the eyes of Greenland sharks is known scientifically as Ommatokoita elongata. This parasite is a copepod – a type of small crustacean – that attaches itself to the corneas of the sharks’ eyes.
