Bitter crab syndrome in two species of king crabs from the Sea of Okhotsk

Protistan parasites as mortality drivers in cold water crab fisheries

“…The parasitic dinoflagellate, Hematodinium sp., infecting North Pacific crabs appears to show few environmental, biological or physical limitations. Yet, until recently, king crabs appeared resistant to infection even though the parasite was frequently encountered in other crabs inhabiting the same areas (Ryazanoa communication; Ryazanova, 2008;Ryazanova et al, 2010). Eastern Bering Sea king crabs still appear resistant as none have been positively diagnosed with Hematodinium infections.…”

Ensuring crustacean product quality in the post-harvest phase

“…The condition was thus termed 'Bitter Crab Disease' (BCD) (Meyers et al, 1987). Cooked meats from several other crab species infected with Hematodinium have also been reported as having a bitter taste: Necora puber from French waters (Wilhelm and Mialhe, 1996); red king crabs Paralithodes camtschaticus, and blue king crabs Paralithodes platypus, from Russian waters (Ryazanova, 2008). It has also been claimed that BCD in a single individual Newfoundland snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) influences the flavour of a whole batch (Shields et al, 2005), but no data are given.…”

Advances in our understanding of the global diversity and distribution of Hematodinium spp. – Significant pathogens of commercially exploited crustaceans

“…Another pathological outcome of infection, with commercially important consequence, is presented in severely parasitized Alaskan Tanner crabs Chionoecetes bairdi, and snow crabs Chionoecetes opilio, in which there is a biochemical alteration of the meat products, such that these are bitter tasting and unmarketable, resulting in the condition known as Bitter Crab Disease (BCD) or Bitter Crab Syndrome (BCS, Meyers, 1990;Meyers et al, 1987). Cooked meats from Hematodinium-infected velvet swimming crabs Necora puber, from French waters have also been reported as having a bitter taste (Wilhelm and Mialhe, 1996), as have Hematodinium-infected meats from red king crabs Paralithodes camtschaticus, and blue king crabs P. platypus, from Russian waters (Ryazanova, 2008).…”