This parasite is not-so-affectionately known as the "cod worm" or the "seal worm". It is a serious problem in east coast fisheries. Adults live in seals, and the third stage larvae accumulate in the flesh of cod. Although not as serious a threat to human heath as some other related genera, the large size (coiled up, they may be 1 cm in diameter) and dark brown color of the larvae makes the fish they occur in unappetizing and greatly reduces their market value.