Do shrimp have parasites(worms)? I peeled a few and it looks like worms behind the head, anyone know whats up

Question

Just behind the head and before the tail it looks like white inch-long worms about pencil lead thin.

Answer 1

It could just be some blood veins.

Answer 2

i am also looking for the answer to this question. Too bad people dont read the question before giving answers that have nothing to do with what was asked. I have been online for a couple of hours now researching this thing about worms because I just de-headed my first batch of shrimp (usually buy headless) and found the same weird looking white wormy little things and freaked out! i called the fish market where i purchased the shrimp and they said it was roe, thinking i was stupid. roe is orange and i have been cleaning fish and crabs for 40 yrs so i know what roe is. cant seem to find anything about saltwater shrimp having worms, only aquarium shrimp, so i guess maybe its just brain matter or something?? lost my appetite for my shrimp now, but definetly NOT saving the heads for stock!! guess i will finish cleaning them and pop them in the freezer for another day!! sadly, sometimes the internet just doesnt have the answer to everything.

Answer 3

Are you sure it wasn't the vein that runs down the "spine" (its a crustacean and doesn't actually have a spine) to the tail? It is possible but generally improbable that shrimp would have large parasites in them. On a live shrimp the black dot in the middle of the back is actually the heart, so I would feel 97% confident in that it's merely a vein and the shrimp should be fine.

Answer 4

That is a trail of manure.

Fresh shrimp should smell clean, refrain from shrimp that smells of ammonia.
At the fish market, fresh shrimp should be stored in or on ice.
If you purchase frozen shrimp, avoid shrimp that was peeled and deveined prior to freezing. The practice of cleaning the shrimp before freezing may cause a loss of flavor and texture.
Be aware of leakage or frozen surface ice on frozen shrimp. These are signs that the shrimp has been defrosted and refrozen and should be avoided.

Preparing Shrimp

"Refresh" frozen shrimp by soaking in salted water, 1 to 2 tbsp of salt to 1 quart of water.
The best way to keep shrimp fresh while preparing them is to keep them in ice water. Return the cleaned shrimp to the ice water until you are ready to cook them. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before cooking.
Leave the shell on while boiling or steaming shrimp. The shell preserves the juices and natural flavors.
The black vein that runs along the back of shrimp is the digestive tract. Typically, whether veins are in or out, seldom is there a flavor difference unless the vein is large and contains a high volume of grit and digested material. It is removed more for the appearance than taste. The decision to remove the digestive tract is based on personal preference.

Storing Shrimp

Fresh shrimp that has not been cooked is very perishable. Shrimp should be used within two days of purchase to ensure optimal taste.
Store fresh shrimp that will not be cooked immediately in the coolest area of the refrigerator, preferably on ice and covered with waxed paper. The waxed paper allows air to circulate around the shrimp.
Cooked shrimp that is stored in the refrigerator should be eaten within 2-3 days.
Frozen shrimp, if packaged tightly, will last up to six months in most household freezers.
Shrimp that has been frozen tends to lose texture.
Once defrosted, shrimp should be kept refrigerated and used within three days.
Once defrosted, do not refreeze shrimp.

Answer 5

Any seafood can have parasites. That goes with the territory. Much good stuff, and many nasty things live in water.

Yes, shrimp CAN have parasites. Because it is a shrimp doesn't mean it HAS parasites. If you're squeamish, move on to the next answer. If not, COOK the shrimp, and enjoy.

Answer 6

That is the shrimp's digestive tract. Recipes will often call for "de-veining" the shrimp before cooking, which means removing the digestive tract. It won't hurt you to eat it, but depending on where the shrimp lived and what it ate for its last meal, it can taint the flavor slightly.