There are always questions surrounding shrimp, from “how to choose the best shrimp?” to “what delicious dishes can be made with shrimp?”. Knowing how to distinguish between healthy and sick shrimp is also of great interest to many. Let’s find out together.
Identifying Healthy and Sick Shrimp from External Observations
Healthy Shrimp |
Sick Shrimp |
|
Body Color |
Usually has a greenish color. |
Shrimp with a reddish body may be infected with the GAV virus, causing bacterial infection and pigment disorder. Shrimp infected with white spot virus will have white spots on their head and chest. |
Gill Color |
Healthy shrimp gills are usually clean and dark green. |
Often brownish-black in color due to dirt and waste from microorganisms. Or the gills may appear green due to an abundance of green and blue-green algae in the water. |
Shell |
Healthy shrimp have hard shells, rich in calcium. |
Sick shrimp have soft shells, making it easier for disease-causing bacteria to enter. If the shrimp’s shell is greenish and slimy, it may be infected with the Protozoa parasite. |
Muscle |
Firm muscles, meat fills the shell. |
Shrimp with retracted muscles, leaving the shell hollow, are likely suffering from long-term insufficient food intake. Additionally, shrimp illness can be caused by various other factors. |
Agility |
Healthy shrimp cling well, move flexibly, and have quick reflexes. When swimming, their tails spread out, and their antennae remain closed. |
Sick shrimp tend to be sluggish, lacking agility, and have slow reflexes. |
Identifying Healthy and Sick Shrimp from Internal Signs
Healthy Shrimp |
Sick Shrimp |
|
Gut Observation |
Cut the shrimp’s body in half; healthy shrimp will have a full gut filled with food. |
If you find sections or the entire gut empty, the shrimp is likely suffering from insufficient food intake or anorexia. |
Feces Color |
Shrimp feces are typically dark green to black, grayish-black, pink in small shrimp, and brown in larger ones. |
White or red feces may indicate a bacterial infection, or it could be due to a particular type of food the shrimp has consumed. |
Some Precautions When Eating Shrimp
While shrimp are highly nutritious, they must be consumed correctly to avoid potential health risks. It is not advisable to eat raw shrimp as it may contain parasites such as worms and cysts, which can transfer to your body.
Additionally, overconsumption of shrimp can lead to digestive issues like bloating, abdominal discomfort, and even diarrhea. Avoid eating shrimp with Vitamin C-rich fruits, and refrain from consuming shrimp if you have allergies or a cough.
The above guide provides simple ways to distinguish between healthy and sick shrimp. We hope that you will use this knowledge to select fresh and healthy shrimp for your family’s meals.
How to Choose Fresh Seafood: Important Cabinet Tips
In recent years, concerns have been raised over the practice of injecting urea and chemicals into seafood, making it difficult to find safe and fresh options. To help, DienmayXANH.com offers some tips on how to select the best seafood available. Seafood is a rich, delicious, and nutritious source of food, and this advice will help ensure you make the most of it.