Tiny Caribbean parasite named after Bob Marley

This undated picture released by the National Science Foundation on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, shows a close-up of an adult male "Gnathia marleyi" parasite. / AP Photo/National Science Foundation

(AP) KINGSTON, Jamaica - A tiny blood-sucking parasite that infests fish on Caribbean coral reefs has been named after Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley.

Arkansas State University marine biologist Paul Sikkel discovered the parasite off the U.S. Virgin Islands a decade ago but it was only recently unveiled as "Gnathia marleyi" as an homage to the singer.

Bob Marley

/ AP Photo

Sikkel says he dubbed the tiny crustacean due to his "respect and admiration" for Marley, who died in 1981.

The National Science Foundation says the creature is a new species within the family of gnathiids, parasites commonly found on coral reefs that are ecologically similar to blood-sucking ticks on land. It infests some fish that inhabit reefs of the shallow eastern Caribbean.

Celebrities such as comedian Stephen Colbert and singer Beyonce have had insects named after them.

[skithebumps]

Before he died, Bob Marley said he hoped that someday they would name a Caribbean parasite after him.
Too bad he's not here to see this wonderful dream come true.