Muscle Necrosis

Muscle necrosis is the name given to a condition in all penaeid species that is characterized by whitish, opaque areas in the striated musculature, especially in the distal-abdominal segments. The condition follows periods of severe stress (from low oxygen, sudden temperature or salinity changes, severe gill fouling, etc.). It is reversible in its initial stages, but it may be lethal if large areas are affected. Tail Rot is the name given to the chronic and usually septic form of the disease when the distal portion of the abdomen (or appendages) becomes necrotic, turns red, and begins to slough.