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 named after Bob Marley.

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

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