(ORDO NEWS) — Tiny crustaceans identified as waterline isopods (excirolana chiltoni) are relatively common, but experts cannot figure out what caused them to appear in such large numbers.
San Diego resident Tara Sauvage, who suffered from these predatory creatures, told local news channel CBS8 that she had barely dipped her feet in the water when she was attacked.
“It hurt,” she said. “I pulled out my leg. My whole leg was covered in blood. It was like little piranhas (sic) had bitten me.”
She said she rinsed her legs and felt good after about 15 minutes.
Ryan Hechinger, professor of oceanography at the Scripps Institution, said that despite the discomfort, these creatures are not dangerous.
He told CBS8 that the best way to get rid of them is to keep moving. However, this does not guarantee that you will not be bitten, as small biting insects show excessive activity.
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