1. a parasitic organism that lives on the outside of an animal's body
Usage: biology, zoology

1. relating to or characteristic of a parasite that lives on the outside of a host animal
Usage: biology, zoology

Examples

• Fleas are common ectozoans that infest dogs and cats.
• The ectozoan lice caused the bird's feathers to become matted and unhealthy.
• Ticks are ectozoans that attach to mammals to feed on blood.
• The veterinarian identified several ectozoan parasites on the horse's skin.
• Unlike internal parasites, ectozoans are visible on the surface of the host animal.
• Sea lice are ectozoans that affect farmed fish in aquaculture.