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Parasite linked to 'mushy fish' could be much more widespread than thought

If you're a keen angler and regularly catch yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi), you may have encountered instances of the fish's flesh turning mushy and unpalatable once cooked. Some have said it's a bit like trying to eat wet newspaper.

Parasite linked to 'mushy fish' could be much more widespread than thought

If you’re an experienced angler, you may have encountered yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) whose flesh turns mushy and unappetizing once cooked. This slimy fish can be disappointing for both the angler and the guests who were expecting a delicious meal. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to predict which fish will turn mushy when cooked, as they often appear, smell, and taste the same when raw, such as in sashimi.

The problem only manifests itself after cooking or preparing the fish as ceviche. Scientists have linked this mushy flesh issue to a parasite called Unicapsula seriolae, but it’s too early to confirm it as the sole cause—more research is needed. However, our recent study suggests that infection with Unicapsula seriolae might be more widespread than previously believed.

Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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