广东沿岸牡蛎体内DDTs的时空变化趋势

为了解广东沿岸牡蛎体内滴滴涕(DDTs)的残留水平和时空分布情况,于1989-1993年和2003-2012年间每年3月份采集广东沿岸海域的近江牡蛎,用气相色谱法测定其DDTs的含量,同时结合1980-1985年广东省海岸带污染调查的相关数据,分析了广东沿岸牡蛎体内DDTs的残留量、时空分布和组成特征,并评价了其食用安全性与生物质量.结果显示,广东沿岸牡蛎体内DDTs检出率为96.9％,检出的样品中含量范围为0.11～76.3 ng/g,平均值是(3.87±7.40) ng/g.在时间上,广东沿岸牡蛎体内DDTs含量呈现明显的阶段性变化特点,20世纪80年代至90年代初期,为显著下降阶段,2003-2007年先小幅反弹后略微下降,2008-2012年总体呈归于平稳的趋势,且该时段各年份间无显著差异.空间上,20世纪80年代初期,珠江口岸段牡蛎体DDTs含量远高于粤东、粤西岸段,随着时间推移,3个岸段之间含量差距逐渐缩小,1989年之后各年间3个区域DDTs平均含量在统计学上没有显著差异.DDTs的组分特征分析显示,广东沿岸海域牡蛎体内DDTs主要来源于历史使用残留,但在1989-1993年和2003-2007年时段内可能有三氯杀螨醇来源的DDTs输入.结果表明,就DDTs而言,广东沿岸海域所有样品均未超我国相关残留限量标准,近年来大部分站点牡蛎食用安全,生物质量状况良好.     

广东沿岸牡蛎体内DDTs的时空变化趋势研究

为了解广东沿岸牡蛎体内滴滴涕(DDTs)的残留水平和时空分布情况,于1989-1993和2003-2012年间每年3月份采集广东沿岸海域的近江牡蛎,用气相色谱法测定其DDTs的含量,同时结合1980-1985年广东省海岸带污染调查的相关数据,分析了广东沿岸牡蛎体内DDTs的残留量、时空分布和组成特征,并评价了其食用安全性与生物质量。结果表明：广东沿岸牡蛎体内DDTs检出率为96.9%,检出的样品中含量范围为0.11～76.3 ng/g,平均值是(3.87±7.40) ng/g。在时间上,广东沿岸牡蛎体内DDTs含量呈现明显的阶段性变化特点, 1980s-1990s初期为显著下降阶段,2003-2007年先小幅反弹后略微下降,2008-2012年总体呈归于平稳的趋势,且该时段各年份间无显著差异（P > 0.05）。空间上,1980s初期珠江口岸段牡蛎体DDTs含量远高于粤东、粤西岸段,随着时间推移,3个岸段之间含量差距逐渐缩小,1989年之后各年间3个区域DDTs平均含量在统计学上没有显著差异（P > 0.05）。DDTs的组分特征分析显示,广东沿岸海域牡蛎体内DDTs主要来源于历史使用残留,但在1989-1993年和2003-2007年时段内可能有三氯杀螨醇来源的DDTs输入。评价结果表明,就DDTs而言,广东沿岸海域所有样品均未超我国相关残留限量标准,近年来大部分站点牡蛎食用安全,生物质量状况良好。     

广东沿岸牡蛎体Cd含量及时空分布特点

根据 198 9～ 1997年广东沿岸 12个采样点近江牡蛎 (CrassostrearivularisGould)体Cd的测定数据和有关历史资料 ,分析了广东沿岸牡蛎体Cd含量与时空分布特点。所有牡蛎体样品均检出Cd ,含量为( 0 .0 8～ 7.81)× 10 - 6,总平均值为 1.92× 10 - 6。粤东与粤西沿岸除个别样品外 ,绝大部分Cd含量均远低于评价标准 ,而珠江口沿岸样品的超标率则达到 2 5%。牡蛎体Cd含量的空间分布呈珠江口 >粤西 >粤东。1989～ 1997年 ,牡蛎体Cd含量的年际变化呈双峰分布 ,次高值和最高值分别出现在 1992年和 1995年 ,其余年份虽有波动 ,但无显著差异。     

2003～2005年和1991～1993年广东沿海牡蛎体六六六和滴滴涕残留比较

于2003-2005年的每年春季,在广东沿岸10个海湾,每个海湾采集近江牡蛎（Crassostrea rivularis）成体30只,测定其中六六六（BHCs）和滴滴涕（DDTs）的含量。结果显示,2003-2005年近江牡蛎体中DDTs平均含量是68.7ng/g（干重）,为1991-1993年的5.54倍。样品中DDTs年平均含量在2003-2005年快速增加,但在1991-1993年前是缓慢减少。2003-2005年DDE/DDTs含量比为12.8%-39.1%,比12年前的45%-55%明显更低。2003-2005年牡蛎样品中BHCs平均含量是3.27ng/g（干重）,仅相当于1991-1993年的16%。样品中BHCs年平均含量在2003-2005年持续降低,降速比1991-1993年缓慢。2003-2005年γ-BHC/BHCs平均含量比为19.6%,低于12年前的26%。样品中BHCs、DDTs区域平均含量由高到低依次为粤东沿岸、珠江口、粤西沿岸/粤东沿岸、粤西沿岸、珠江口,与12年前的区域分布格局相同。本研究采集的牡蛎样品中,BHCs、DDTs含量范围分别是未检出-1.21μg·kg^-1和0.11-76.3μg·kg^-1（湿重）,均低于中国和欧美的最低残留限量（湿重）。     

北部湾钦州港近江牡蛎重金属污染分析

为近江牡蛎的食用安全及养殖环境监督管理提供科学依据,2015年7—11月在北部湾钦州港采集近江牡蛎样品,利用原子荧光光度计和原子吸收光谱仪测定近江牡蛎体内重金属含量,分析其污染程度。结果显示,调查海域牡蛎体内重金属平均含量从高到低依次为ZnCuCdCrAsPbHg,其中Zn、Cu含量较高,平均值分别为532.03、126.96 mg/kg。Cu参照《无公害食品水产品有毒有害物质限量》(NY 5073-2006),发现除了7月2号站样品未超标,其余样品均超标,超标率达89%。As参照《食品安全国家标准食品中污染物限量》(GB 2762-2012),发现总超标率为11%,仅7月3号站样品存在超标。Pb、Hg含量较低,其平均值分别为0.02、0.009 mg/kg。重金属富集系数揭示近江牡蛎对Zn、Cu、Cd、Cr富集严重。膳食暴露评估方法显示,重金属的膳食摄入量低于联合国粮食和农业组织的食品添加剂联合专家委员会(JECFA)推荐的暂定每周摄入量,钦州湾近江牡蛎属于安全食用范围。     

1989~2010年广东沿海牡蛎体镉含量时空分布特征及其健康风险评价

为评价广东沿海牡蛎体镉(Cd)含量的时空分布特征及其食用健康风险,实验根据2001-2010年广东17个海湾的牡蛎体Cd含量监测结果及1989-1999年的历史数据,分析了广东沿海总体及粤东、珠江口、粤西3大海区牡蛎体镉含量的时空分布特征;并采用风险商法评价其健康风险.1989-2010年广东沿海累计268频次的监测结果表明:牡蛎体Cd含量变化范围为未检出～10.80 mg/kg(均值1.14 mg/kg,以湿重表示,下同),检出率97.01％;其中98.64％符合中国、美国牡蛎体或贝类的Cd含量限量标准(≤4 mg/kg).珠江口海域达标率为三大海域最低(86.5％),是今后生物监测与海洋环境管理的重点.2001-2010年牡蛎体Cd含量的健康风险依次为儿童-青少年(5～17岁)＞老年人(60岁以上)＞成年人(18～59岁);连续食用广东沿海牡蛎10年,其Cd含量在70年内不会对人体构成Cd摄入过量的风险.     

广东沿海牡蛎体Pb含量水平及时空变化趋势

为了了解广东沿海Pb含量水平的时空变化特点,l989-1997年,实施"南海贻贝观察”对广东沿海12个地点牡蛎体Pb含量进行了连续监测.广东沿海牡蛎体Pb含量范围为0.22×10-6～2.06×10-6(湿重),总平均值为0.77×10-6.牡蛎体Pb污染指数的范围和平均值分别为0.11～1.03和0.39,总体上属轻污染水平.牡蛎体Pb含量的空间分布呈粤西海区≥珠江口海区＞粤东海区.广东沿海牡蛎Pb含量水平在1989-1993年间呈微弱下降趋势,1994年Pb含量明显升高,此后Pb含量基本持平.     

华南沿海牡蛎重金属含量特征及其风险评估

根据2009年对华南沿海部分海域的近江牡蛎和太平洋牡蛎的监测数据,对产品中重金属元素Cd、Cu、Pb、As、Hg和Zn的含量水平、分布与变化特征进行了分析讨论;采用点评估方法,计算Cd、Cu、Pb、As、Hg和Zn的膳食暴露量,对牡蛎产品的食用安全性进行风险评估。结果表明,调查海域牡蛎样品中Cu、Zn、Cd的含量较高,其值分别为92.0、268、1.32 mg/kg(湿重,下同);Hg、As、Pb的含量低,其值分别为9.21、0.11、0.26 mg/kg。不同海域、不同养殖季节的牡蛎产品中重金属元素的含量具有明显的差异。与无公害水产品质量标准的限量值相比,调查海域牡蛎产品中Cu、Zn、Pb、Hg、As的含量符合产品质量标准,Cd的含量超过产品限量标准值。由于元素间的相互作用,牡蛎产品Zn的含量高、Cd的含量低,Zn的可利用性阻止对Cd的吸收,牡蛎产品中的Cd不会对健康造成危害。风险评估的结果显示,每周食用适量的牡蛎,重金属的膳食摄入量低于世界卫生组织/联合国粮食和农业组织的食品添加剂联合专家委员会(JECFA)推荐的暂定每周耐受摄入量,处于安全范围内。     

主成分分析法用于福建沿海牡蛎体内主要污染物的研究

2018年8—9月,从福建省沿海6个设区市17个主要贝类养殖海域抽取17份牡蛎样品。调查发现部分养殖海域中的牡蛎样品体内Cu和PHCs的含量超出第二类海洋生物质量标准。通过相关性分析发现铜和镉、铅和石油烃、六六六和PCBs以及铜和石油烃均呈现为正的强相关关系。通过对各检验参数进行主成分分析,结果显示三个主成分因子方差贡献率分别为29.436%、24.938%和15.838%,累计贡献率达到70.211%。铜、汞和PCBs为福建沿海牡蛎体内主要污染物的主要驱动因素。     

南海北部沿岸贝类体内镉含量及健康风险评价

根据2007年和2009年对南海北部沿岸菲律宾蛤仔(Ruditapes Philippinarum)、翡翠贻贝(Perna viridis)、近江牡蛎(Crassostrea rivularis)、太平洋牡蛎(Crassostrea gigas)、文蛤(Meretr.ix meretrix)5种贝类的监测资料,对贝类体内Cd的含量水平进行了分析讨论;采用点估计的方法,评估贝类Cd的暴露量,对其安全性进行评价.结果表明,调查海域近江牡蛎、太平洋牡蛎、菲律宾蛤仔、翡翠贻贝和文蛤样品中Cd的平均含量分别为:1.80、0.38、0.12、0.26和0.15 mg·kg-1,其变化范围分别为:0.92～2.39 mg·kg-1、0.31～0.46 mg.kg-1、0.10～0.13 mg·kg-1、0.21～0.30 mg·kg-1和0.08～0.22 mg·kg-1.与其他海域贝类调查的数据相比,此次调查贝类体内Cd含量处于正常的波动范围.风险评估结果显示,近江牡蛎的风险商HQ＞1,表明人体存在过量摄入Cd的风险;其他4种贝类的HQ＜1,处于安全范围内.评价结果还显示,儿童的Cd暴露量高于成年人.此次调查近江牡蛎样品中Cd/Zn的比值(0.005)低于0.015的临界值,从微量元素平衡的角度,近江牡蛎中Cd的健康风险低.     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Growth hormone (GH) and reproduction: a review

Interaction between growth and reproduction occurs in many vertebrates and is particularly obvious at certain stages of the life cycle in fish. Endocrine interactions between the gonadotropic axis and the somatotropic axis are described, the potential role of GH being emphasised. A comparative analysis of these phenomena in mammals, amphibians and fish, suggests a specific role of GH in the physiology of puberty, gametogenesis and fertility. It also shows the original contribution made by studies on the fish model in this field of investigations.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

Nitrogenous waste excretion and accumulation of urea and ammonia inChalcalburnus tarichi (Cyprinidae), endemic to the extremely alkaline Lake Van (Eastern Turkey)

The endemic, anadromous cyprinidChalcalburnus tarichi is the only fish species known to occur in alkaline Lake Van (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). EightC. tarichi were maintained individually in Lake Van water (17 – 19°C; pH 9.8; 153 mEq·I^–1 total alkalinity; 22 total salinity) and tank water samples analyzed for 24 h in 2 to 4 h intervals. At zero time, < 1µM ammonia was present and urea was undetectable in the tank water; at 24 h, total ammonia and urea made up 114±32 and 35±25µM, respectively. Over the experimental period, ammonia-N and urea-N excretion averaged 1041±494 and 607±169moles·kg^–1 fish·h^–1, respectively. The extent of urea excretion was highly variable between specimens. Uric acid excretion was not detectable.Urea was present at high concentrations in all tissues and plasma (25 – 35moles·g^–1·ml^–1) of freshly caughtC. tarichi; total ammonia content of the tissues was by a factor of 1.9 (liver) to 3.0 (brain) lower. High arginase activity (2.4±0.2 U·min^–1·g^–1) was detected in the liver ofC. tarichi but ornithine carbamoylphosphate transferase, a key enzyme of the ornithine-urea-cycle, was absent. Ureagenesis is likely through degradation of arginine and/or uricolysis. High glutamine synthetase activity (11±0.6 U·min^–1·g^–1) and low ammonia content in brain suggest that, like other teleosts,C. tarichi has an efficient ammonia detoxification in the brain, but in no other tissue.Nitrogenous waste excretion at alkaline pH is discussed. The ability ofC. tarichi to excrete high levels of ammonia at extremely alkaline pH is unique among teleosts studied so far. The mechanism of ammonia excretion under Lake Van conditions remains to be elucidated.