Monday, September 14, 2026

Case of the Week 818

The following worm was found in a toadfish caught by Florida Fan in Blind Pass, Saint Petersburg, Florida. What is the likely identification? 




5 comments:

  1. The size, the coiled appearance, the tooth, and the fact that it was found in a saltwater fish make me think of an Anisakidae (Anisakis or Pseudoterranova?), which can cause acute stomach pain due to gastritis or "the sushi disease" !

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  2. I'm saying Anisakis as well. But, how did Florida Fan feel after he ate the worm?

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    1. Actually, I preserved the worm in formalin for examination and caramelized the worm free fillet with chopped scallion, ground black pepper, garlic, cayenne pepper and fish sauce in a clay pot for lunch with rice. It tasted fantastic and never felt any gastrointestinal discomfort.
      Florida Fan

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  3. Size, presence of a boring tooth, and presence of a mucron, together with the fishy story - all point to L3 anisakid larva (possibly Pseudoterranova). Bon appétit Florida Fan!

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  4. Anisakis simplex or Pseudoterranova decipiens? /Patrik

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