Caught some Y perch on Patuxant. Took some home to eat while cleaning found alot of worms inside.{parasites}Just wondering if others have found them in there fish Thanks Jay
It is a "Roundworm" (Nematode), commonly referred to as a "Redworm." The scientific name is "PHILOMETRA CYLINDRACEA - NEMATODA.They're red in color, sometimes curled up like a spring and are thin. They generally do not get longer than 2 inches.
They're most often resident in the body cavity, but when taken out of the water, leave that area. More times than not, I find them in the flesh as I'm filleting the fish. That's the #1 reason why I fillet and skin every Perch or Crappie that I take home. Even though this worm/parasite is not a danger to humans, I'd rather not eat a cooked/fried one.
Not at all uncommon. Crappie often have them as well. As was noted, cooking kills them, but I usually fillet, skin and candle my YP and crappie. If any show up I cut them out but sometimes there are so many that you can't get rid of all of them. I just discard them if they are that bad. Its a shame but I don't intend to eat them. They are usually worse in warm water and with the lack of colder water this year, they may be worse than usual.
Yes it's been my experience that most there have them. Some still eat them, but I won't. Anglers should take this into consideration before deciding to keep any from there.
One thing you can do if fish fillet has the tiny worms is to freeze it for a few days.
That will kill any parasites.
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