Anisakis

Genus of nematodes (family Anisakidae) that includes many common parasites of marine fish-eating birds and marine mammals. [G. anisos, unequal, + akis, a point]

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An·i·sa·kis (an″ĭ-saґkis) [Gr. an- + is- + akis point] a genus of nematodes of the family Anisakidae; the usual infecting species is A. mariґna. It parasitizes the stomachs of marine mammals and birds, where it reaches the adult stage. Infective third-stage larvae occur in various marine fishes, and humans who eat raw fish may get anisakiasis.

Cross-section of Anisakis larva found in small bowel following surgery for acute obstruction (H & E stain).