Cysts in the bluegill flesh-usually ivory colored and can be easily flicked out with the point of my knife. Any concern about eating fih with these in them?

[George Mangel]

Just about every bluegill I catch and keep now has these ivory colored cysts in them. Are they anything to be concerned about? Thank you!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Good question. Most likely the larval stage of some parasitic invertebrate. Probably best to find out.

You probably should call your state DNR or fisheries division and ask.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

This is from "Parasites of North American Freshwater Fishes," Glenn Hoffman:

"Some larval parasites can infect humans. So far, there have been few reports of serious cases in this country, but very serious cases, including fatalities have been reported in Europe, Africa and the Philippine Islands.... Most fish parasites, if eaten raw, will not develop in humans, but some species are unsightly.... Many fishes are discarded by fishermen because of unsightly parasites, but none are harmful to people if the fishes are thoroughly cooked."

The above citations are in the section entitled "Public health Aspects of Fish Parasties," and the book can be accessed here:

http://books.google.com/books?id=ZU5iqP3NJpMC&pg=PA14&lpg=P...

[Vic Tankersley]

I haven't noticed cysts but lately I have noticed in one lake a fungual growth on the lips of bluegills I caught there. Has anyone ever seen this. It is different from fin rot which is common here in the south during the summer months when water temps reach into the 80s