Reports of tiny and aggressive isopods have been surfacing in Southern California. The “mini-shark” isopods, known officially as Excirolana chiltoni, or water-line isopods, have reportedly been attacking the feet of beachgoers visiting Mission Bay. Citizens around the area say the tiny bug-like creatures swarmed their feet when they put them in the water, biting and latching onto them.
Meet the mini-shark isopods of Southern California’s Mission Bay
These mini-shark isopods aren’t much different from other isopods that call the water home. They feed on fresh meat, which is why they’re attracted to feet when beachgoers walk into the water. Despite their small size, these isopods pack a painful bite.
One person bitten by the isopods described it as “painful” and “surprising,” noting that their feet looked like a group of small piranhas had attacked them. They also said the pain seemed to fade after around 15 to 20 minutes, so it wasn’t a lasting pain. And, of course, since they are so small, it wasn’t nearly as dangerous as an actual shark bite. Still, you should be mindful of these so-called mini-shark isopods.
These isopods are very common, though, a professor told CBS 8 San Diego. Professor Ryan Hechinger says that the mini-shark isopods can usually be driven away by moving around. The