Hi Steve,
The little worms you describe sound exactly like those we encounter when
cleaning some halibut, kelp bass, and rockfish. Oddly, they may be in one
fish and not another from the same catch area. I have never seen these
little parasites in Hinnies gigantic, but it wouldn't surprise me, as they
seem more prevalent in fish that are more sedentary. These little worms
appear to look like a small brown spring imbedded in the flesh.We always
pick them out. They are not very appetizing but do not seem to affect the
fillets when they are cooked. I've seen these little parasites for as long
as I can remember in Southern California waters. I've worked as a second
skipper on dive and fishing charter boat for over 25 years.
Hope this helps,
Paul Kanner  [log in to unmask]
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Lonhart <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2000 7:24 PM
Subject: Scallop parasites (fwd)


> Hi Conchl,
>
> A friend found some worms in the tissue of Hinnites giganteus (can't
> recall the new genus) from Santa Catalina Island, California.  Any ideas?
> Read below.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Steve
>
> Steve Lonhart
> Department of Biology           LAB:     (831) 459-5063 **NEW**
> University of California        FAX:     (831) 459-4882
> Santa Cruz, CA  95064           email:   [log in to unmask]
>
> WEBSITE:  http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/people/potts/lonhart/
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Tue, 23 May 2000 14:39:48 -0700
> From: Kevin Flanagan <[log in to unmask]>
>
> When cleaning the scallops I noticed several worms in the meat.  They were
> 2-3mm long, brown, and curled up.  Some scallops were loaded and others
> were worm-free.  Is this something new?  Is it widespread?
>
> Any info is appreciated.
>
> PS- the worms were round worms not flat.
> Thanks mucho.
>
> **************************************