Black Spot Disease" is caused by a parasite that has a two-host
life cycle with fish as one of those hosts. In fish, it appears as
small black specks under the skin and in the muscle which are
visible during filleting. Life cycle: Adult worms live in the gut
of fish-eating birds. Eggs are released from bird feces into the
water and are eaten by snails. Then the parasite matures into a
free-swimming stage that eventually leaves the snail. This is the
infective stage for fish that penetrates the skin and burrows into
the flesh, where it remains (as the black spot) until the infected
fish are eaten by birds and the life cycle begins again. although
unattractive, the fillet is safe for human consumption after it has
been thoroughly cooked. Picture of a bluegill with disease
Keywords: disease, black, spot, bluegill, lepomis, intermediate,
host, snail
Related Q&A：
What are the black spots on bluegills in Michigan？-Well, those black spots on bluegills in Michigan are usually a natural part of their appearance. They can be like a sort of marking or characteristic. It might have something to do with their species or maybe for camouflage or protection. Sometimes, it could also be related to their age or the environment they're in. But don't worry too much about it. It's just a normal feature of these fish. Oh, and it's not something that indicates they're unhealthy or anything like that.
