glochidium

 
Pronunciation: /gləʊˈkɪdɪəm/

noun (plural glochidia)

Zoology
  • a parasitic larva of certain freshwater bivalve molluscs, which attaches itself by hooks and suckers to the fins or gills of fish.

Origin:

late 19th century: modern Latin, based on Greek glōkhis, glōkhid- 'arrowhead'