LJ Hitchikers
 

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...psfe6bb644.jpg
http://http://s80.photobucket.com/us...%20July%202014Had three of these guys protruding from the left side of a 12 lb YT caught at LJ on Wed. DFG guy on the beach was stumped - me too (and I've fished the S. Cal area for over 50 yrs). Internet sketchy on ID, but did find some stuff out ("Anchor Worm"). Three-horned heads were embedded in/near fish's vertebrae, with half of length ("tail) outside of body. Were two long flagellum extending from before the tail-like body of each critter. Am wondering if others have pulled in local fish with similar parasites? More pics by clicking HERE.
Avery

Dude WTF??? :eek: Nasty lookin'

Probably a PETA raised parasite to get us all to stop eating fish.

I would be pissed if I saw that on my fish. Good thing it was protruding so you saw it instead of hidden in the guts.

I wouldn't eat that yellow if I were you!!! Ship it to me and I'll dispose of it :D

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yes, it is an anchor worm........... I have seen them in countless fish locally in the southern CA bight.... from yellows, to dorado, albacore, pacific saury, swordfish, etc............. cut it out and eat around it. Totally safe. Do not throw the fillets away.

Some fish are loaded with them. Seen them slurp back into the flesh, so there are probably some that you missed. Cook em up

Yep, that's an anchor worm. They're common parasites of our local fish. But that's a damn big one. If I recall correctly anchor worms are actually copepods related to sea lice. Any way, the fish is safe to eat so enjoy. Mike

mmm sashimi!

Just protein. I'd be willing to bet in some Asian culture those things are a delacacy.

that worm doesn't even look real. nasty.

Just when you thought parasites couldn't be any nastier.... something else comes along.

The yellows I filleted here in Korea the other day had worms in the meat too.