Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Quality and Shelf Life of Salted Bonito (Sarda sarda)

In this study, the fresh meat of bonito (Sarda sarda) was used to make lakerda, which is a type of salted fish (Turkish traditional product). The lakerda was packaged in plastic film (A), vacuumed (VP), placed in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; M1 = 80%/20% CO₂/N₂, M2 = 65%/35% CO₂/N₂, M3 = 30%/60%/10% CO₂/N₂/O₂), and stored at 2 ± 1°C. Microbiological, chemical, sensory, and color analyses were conducted to determine the changes in quality. Total viable bacteria counts did not exceed the limit of consumption (7 log cfu/g) for all groups on Day 31. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and trimethylamine- nitrogen (TMA-N) values of M1, M2, and M3 remained lower than the proposed acceptability limits of 35 and 12 mg N/100 g, respectively, up to 31 days of storage. However, VP lakerda samples exceeded TVB-N limits after 31 days of storage, whereas A lakerda samples exceeded after 8 days of storage. In our study, sensory analysis determined the shelf life of modified atmosphere packaged lakerda. When Group A is compared with the other groups, MAP and VP lengthened the shelf life of lakerda by 23 days.     

Effect of Soluble CO2 Stabilization on the Quality of Fillets from Farmed Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) and European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

ABSTRACT

Soluble gas stabilization (SGS) is a relatively recent methodology of active packaging that has been proposed to extend the shelf life of packaged fish. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of SGS applied at different extents (2 bars: 30 and 60 min) on the shelf life of sea bream and sea bass fillets packed in air during chilled storage. Quality changes were evaluated by sensory assessment, microbiological analysis (TVC), TBARs, pH value, TVB-N, and TMA-N. No significant extension of sensory shelf life was visible as a function of SGS treatment. The treatment of fillets in CO₂ at 2 bars during 60 min had a positive effect on the microbiological shelf life of both species. On the other hand, TMA-N and TVB-N showed similar changes during storage period and were not affected by the CO₂ treatment. Sea bream treated with SGS always presented higher TBARs than control samples. Nevertheless, oxidation of sea bream and in particular, of sea bass fillets, did not appear to be a significant problem during chilled storage.     

Effect of different types of descaling methods on shelf life of air-/vacuum-packaged common carp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyprinus carpio</Emphasis> L.) fillets under refrigerated storage conditions

Microbiological quality, sensory attributes and consumer preferences of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fillets descaled by four different methods under two storage conditions (air packed and vacuum packaged) and refrigerated storage conditions were studied. Farmed common carps (scaly and mirror), of marketable size (2.2 kg, 3 years old), were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 10), and filleted and fillets were processed by four descaling methods: without skin, without scales, undercut scales and mirror carp (without any other treatment). Microbiological analyses were determined by total viable counts (TVCs) in logarithm of colony-forming units per gram (log CFU/g), and sensory quality of fillets was classified by odour, flavour, after taste and consistency on storage days 0, 3, 6 and 9. Vacuum packaging conditions affected the growth of microbiota and extended the shelf life of fillets in all experimental groups. Microbial communities grew to between 3.19–3.90, 4.03–6.00 and 6.35–8.28 log CFU/g after 3, 6 and 9 days of storage, respectively, and fillets without skin showed the lowest TVC among all analysed groups throughout storage. Also sensory analyses showed that consistency and odour of carp fillets were influenced by packaging conditions as well as descaling methods. The survey on consumer preferences of carp found out that 58.9 % of customers preferred scaly carp with undercut scales and processed to fillets instead of mirror carp. The results of present study show that different types of descaling methods combined with air/vacuum packaging can significantly prolong the shelf life of carp fillets.     

Preservation of Stuffed Mussels at 4°C in Modified Atmosphere Packaging

The stuffed mussel is a traditional, ready-to-eat food in Turkey which is produced by cooking rice and various spices filled inside the mussel. This article examines the effect on sensory, chemical, and microbiological parameters of stuffed mussels of two gas mixtures—MAP1 50% N₂/50% CO₂ and MAP2 100% CO₂—used as modified atmospheres for cold storage at +4°C. Air packaged samples were chosen as the control group. Based primarily on sensory characteristics, MAP1 gas mixture was the most effective for stuffed mussel. According to sensory results, it has been determined that the control samples kept until the 11th day, while the MAP1 and the MAP2 groups kept until the 13th day. Of the chemical indices determined, the TVB-N values of MAP1 and MAP2 remained lower than the proposed acceptability limits of 20 mg N/100 g, up to 13 days of storage. Microbiological analysis results did not find any differences between the groups. It was found that the shelf life of air and MAP1-MAP2 packaged samples were 7 and 11 days, respectively.     

The Combined Efficacy of Superchilling and High CO2 Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Shelf Life and Quality of Swimming Crab (Portunus trituberculatus)

The combined effect of superchilling and modi?ed atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatment on the quality of swimming crab during storage was investigated. As a result, signi?cantly (p < 0.05) higher inhibitor effects on total aerobic plate counts (TPCs) were observed in MAP treatments than in control (air package). Additionally, chemical analysis results showed that MAP treatments with 40–80% carbon dioxide (CO₂) were highly effective in maintaining lower total volatile basic-nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine-nitrogen (TMA-N), pH, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values in swimming crab (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the brightness (L*) results also con?rmed that this combined treatment showed a positive effect on the stability of color during storage. Results also indicated that the combination of superchilling and 60% CO₂ MAP treatment prolonged the shelf life of swimming crab to 15–20 days. However, 100% CO₂ MAP treatment showed a negative effect on the drip loss and overall acceptability, indicating CO₂ content should be considered as a critical factor in this promising technology.     

Sensory Quality and Shelf Life of MAP Redfish (Sebastes marinus) Fillets as Affected by Previous MA Bulk Storage of Whole Fish

Abstract

The shelf life of iced redfish is known to be 16–19 days. This study evaluated the effects of modified atmosphere (CO₂/N₂: 60/40) in bulk storage of redfish and subsequent modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of fillets. Fish were evaluated by sensory, microbiological and chemical methods. Modified atmosphere (MA) bulk storage of whole fish for more than 5 to 10 days did not improve their sensory quality or significantly increase shelf life. In fact, the study showed negative effects in texture and overall appearance. MAP of fillets processed from 10-day MA bulk stored fish showed a modest increase in shelf life, but negatively affected their texture. Sensory qualities, i.e., tenderness, that decreased under MA bulk storage were improved upon aerobic storage for fish stored under MA for 5 to 10 days, but not 14 days. Lower microbial levels were found in MA bulk stored fish and MAP fillets compared to traditionally iced fish, while higher TMA levels were found in MAP fillets.     

Quality preservation of salted,vacuum packaged and refrigerated mahi sefid (Rutilus frisii kutum) fillets using an onion (Allium cepa) extract

The combined effect of light salting, vacuum packaging and onion extract on the shelf life of mahi sefid (Rutilus frisii kutum) fillets under refrigeration was assessed using chemical, microbiological and sensory methods. The shelf life of control, air‐packaged, salted (APS), vacuum‐packaged, salted (VPS) and vacuum‐packaged, salted with onion extract (VPSOE) samples was determined to be up to 6, 9, 15 and 18 days respectively. The values of total volatile basic nitrogen, free fatty acid and thiobarbituric acid increased progressively during the storage period for all the treatments. However, the preservative methods applied led to an extended shelf life of fillets based on chemical indices and sensory attributes in the following order: VPSOE>VPS>APS>control group. The assay of the total viable count (TVC) revealed that 2% and 4%VPSOE produced a decrease in TVC throughout the storage period. According to the results obtained, the best method to preserve the mahi sefid fillet was by 4%VPSOE treatment.     

Edible Corn‐zein‐based Coating Incorporated with Nisin or Lemongrass Essential Oil Inhibits Listeria monocytogenes on Cultured Hybrid Striped Bass,Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis,Fillets During Refrigerated and Frozen Storage

Listeria monocytogenes presents a serious threat to consumer safety because it is resistant to various food storage techniques, including reduced or modified atmosphere packaging, refrigerated storage, and increased salt concentration. Edible coatings incorporated with natural antimicrobials have been suggested to control pathogenic and spoilage bacteria on a variety of meat products. In this study, edible zein‐based coatings incorporated with nisin and lemongrass essential oil (LGEO; 8%) were evaluated for antibacterial action against L. monocytogenes and spoilage organisms on fresh, cultured hybrid striped bass, Morone saxatilis × Morone chrysops, under two storage conditions (refrigerated or frozen) and two packaging types (polyvinyl chloride [PVC] and vacuum packing) over time. Corn‐zein‐based edible coatings were found to be an effective carrier for nisin and LGEO. Fillets coated with nisin showed the largest decrease in L. monocytogenes cell counts in both PVC and vacuum‐packaged samples in both refrigerated and frozen product, while fillets coated with LGEO showed intermediate inhibition of L. monocytogenes cell counts, with the strongest LGEO antibacterial effect being found in frozen product regardless of packaging. Both nisin and LGEO treatments were most effective in PVC‐packaged fillets compared to vacuum‐packaged fillets, but the difference in bacterial loads between packaging methods was minor. Bacterial loads on refrigerated product tended to increase slightly after 5‐d storage regardless of coating treatment or packaging, whereas bacterial loads on frozen product remained stable or decreased with time up to 60 d regardless of coating treatment or packaging. Data from the present study indicate that application of edible coatings incorporated with essential oils not only promotes food product safety but also may satisfy the preferences of consumers.     

Synergic Effects of Light Salting,Vacuum Packaging,and Onion Extract on the Quality Retention of Refrigerated Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fillets

This experiment investigated the synergistic effects of vacuum packaging, light salting, and onion extract on the shelf life of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets stored under refrigeration. The chemical, microbial, and organoleptic changes were monitored for up to 18 days in fillets. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and free fatty acid (FFA) values were evident in the order: control (without salting, vacuum packaging, and extract) > air packaged, salted (APS) > vacuum packaged, salted (VPS) > and vacuum packaged, salted, containing 2% and 4% (v/w) onion extract (2% and 4% VPSOE) throughout the storage period. Thiobarbituric acid values in APS groups were higher than control groups. Data from microbial assay showed that treatment with 2% and 4% VPSOE decreased total viable microbial count (TVC) compared with other treatments. APS, VPS, and VPSOE samples remained acceptable for up to 8, 12, and 15 days, respectively. The most suitable indices for determining shelf life of rainbow trout fillets are TVC.     

Effect of Packaging on Chemical Changes and Quality of Refrigerated Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus)

Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) were overwrapped with Saran® (PVDC), vacuum skin packaged film-to-tray or film-to-film with Intact® skin packaging film (ISPF), or vacuum packaged film-to-film with surlyn and refrigerated at 4ºC for 15 days. ISPF packaged fish samples had significantly lower ammonia concentrations than overwrapped fish. No significant differences in pH or TBA values were determined among the investigated packaging materials. Vacuum packaging reduced microbiological shelf life of fish by approximately three days when compared to Saran® overwrap. ISPF film-to-film vacuum packaged fish had the longest sensory shelf life, while PVDC overwrapped fish had the shortest.     

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) for Control of Black Spot Formation in Chilled Prawns

The marketing of organically labeled prawns is predominately in a cooked or raw frozen form to avoid the development of melanosis (black spot). Certification for organic status prohibits the use of any added chemicals. The application of 60% CO₂/40%N₂ modified atmosphere to chilled (raw) prawns using two species of prawn was investigated for the ability to control black spot formation. Sensory assessment and microbiological counts were used to determine the end of product shelf life. Modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) prawns exhibited no melanosis for up to 16 days. The high quality life was retained for 12 days; shelf life of 16 days, according to standard microbiological criteria, was achieved, which is more than twice previously reported for non-MAP prawns. Results suggest MAP may be an effective method for the marketing of organically grown prawns as well as those produced by conventional prawn aquaculture without application of the normal chemicals used to prevent black spot.     

Different Packaging Conditions to Improve Shelf Life of Filleted Gilt-Head Sea Bream (Sparus aurata)

Abstract

Shelf life of cultured gilt-head sea bream fillets (Sparus aurata) in over-wrap, vacuum and gas mixture packages stored during 27 days at 1±1°C was compared. The gas mixtures used contained CO₂, O₂, and N₂ at different percentages (0% O₂ + 50% CO₂ + 50% N₂; 10% O₂ +50%CO₂ +40%N₂;20%O₂ +50%CO₂ +30%N₂;30%O₂ +50% CO₂ + 20% N₂).

The evolution of the freshness degree of the packaged fillets was carried out by measurements of total volatile bases (TVB), trimethylamine (TMA), Tiobarbituric Acid Reactives Substances (TBARS), K _i and H values, psychrotrophic bacterial counts and sensory evaluation (color, odor, flavor).

Fish fillets were obtained 3 hours after harvesting with the best handling practices. As a consequence of this, the initial bacterial load was very low. The inhibitory effect of CO₂ on bacterial growth was very effective, keeping very low counts throughout all the storage period. Gas packages without O₂ and vacuum packages presented very low oxidation, whereas TBARS values in over-wrap and 10%, 20% and 30% O₂packaged fillets increased according to the oxygen content in the package. K_i value and specially H value differentiated very well among aero-bically stored fillets, vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging. TVB and TMA productions were poor freshness indicators, since no differences were found among treatments. Sensory quality of fillets deteriorated faster in over-wrap than in vacuum and gas packages. Modified atmospheres containing 20 and 30% O₂ were given lower sensory scores than vacuum packages, since they gave rise to yellowness of the fillets and off-odors and off-flavors.

In summary, modified atmosphere packaging of filleted gilt-head sea breams with a gas mixture consisted of 50% CO₂ + 50% N₂ gave rise to an important extension of shelf life compared to over-wrap packaging, vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging with gas mixtures containing O₂. This was due to the very low oxidation levels produced during the storage, the lower H value as a consequence of a minor production of Hx and the great inhibition on microbial growth.     

Effect of CO2 on Chemical and Microbial Changes of Pacific White Shrimp During Modified Atmosphere Packaging

ABSTRACT

This study monitored the physical, chemical, and sensory quality of raw Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and the evolution of microbial flora under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with varying concentrations of CO₂ (95% CO₂/5% O₂; 80% CO₂/15% N₂/5% O₂; 65% CO₂/30% N₂/5% O₂) at 4°C during 10-day storage. Plate counts on selective agars indicated that MAP had a strong inhibitory effect on psychrotrophic bacteria, mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and H₂S-producing bacteria. Analyses with molecular techniques (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, DGGE) by extracting bacterial DNA from shrimp samples showed that Vibrio spp. and Aeromonas spp. were predominant in fresh MAP samples. Shewanella putrefaciens, which dominated in samples stored in air, were found sporadically in MAP samples. Interestingly, lactic acid bacteria were not predominant in MAP samples, whose pH values were high (6.66 to 8.14) during storage. The content of total volatile basic nitrogen in MAP samples was about 10 mg N/g lower than the control at the end of storage. Higher lightness values and sensory scores were also observed in samples under MAP. However, MAP with CO₂ concentrations higher than 80% did not enhance the inhibitory effect on bacterial growth but induced more severe reddening and sensory quality loss.     

Effects of Ozonated Water Treatment on the Microbial Population,Quality, and Shelf Life of Shucked Oysters (Crassostrea plicatula)

An ozonated water treatment system was designed for the sanitation of shucked oysters (Crassostrea plicatula). The effects of ozone (O₃) on shelf life were examined under refrigerated conditions (4 ± 1°C). Microbiological, chemical, and color quality were also evaluated by determining total aerobic plate counts (APC), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and L, a, and b values. Single and orthogonal experiment results showed that oysters treated with 9 mg/L of O₃ in aqueous solution (oyster: ozonated water = 1:6, w/v) for 10 min at 5°C significantly reduced the total APC by about 2-log—from 4.97 ± 0.11 to 2.93 ± 0.17 log CFU/g (p < 0.05). O₃ treatment did not cause significant changes in TVB-N, TBA, a, and b values, although L values were significantly affected. During refrigerated storage, O₃-treated samples expressed lower TVB-N, TBA, a, and b values and higher L values than control samples. The shelf life of O₃-treated samples was 20 to 25 days, while that for the controls was 5 to 10 days. The current study confirms that treatment with ozonated water can effectively prolong the shelf life and maintain the quality of oysters.     

包装方式对日本鳀鱼干品质特性的影响

[目的]为探究不同包装对丁香鱼干常温贮藏期间的品质特性影响,[方法] 以空气包装为对照,与真空包装、气调包装和CO2包装做比较,测定贮藏过程中菌落总数、TVB-N、POV、TBA、色差、挥发性风味成分及感官评分的变化。[结果]结果显示,真空、气调、CO2三种包装均能有效抑制丁香鱼干微生物生长,常温25 ℃贮藏8 d后,真空包装组样品TVB-N、POV和TBA值分别较空气包装组降低47.08%、4.13%和25.49%,并且真空包装组样品在减缓样品色泽变化、保护肌纤维结构完整性、保留挥发性风味成分和保持感官特性方面均具有较佳效果,确定了真空包装为丁香鱼干的最佳包装方式。基于Arhenius方程建立了丁香鱼干货架期预测模型,25 ℃和35 ℃下真空包装丁香鱼干的货架期分别为6.07和3.23 d。[意义]本研究成果可为丁香鱼干常温物流过程中的品质控制提供理论依据。     

Listeria monocytogenes is inhibited on fillets of cold‐smoked sunshine bass,Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis,with an edible corn zein‐based coating incorporated with lemongrass essential oil or nisin

Ready‐to‐eat (RTE) foods have been identified as a high‐risk food group because of the number of outbreaks caused by food‐borne pathogens isolated from these products. As these items receive no further processing or heat treatment prior to consumption, bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes present a serious threat to consumer safety. Of particular concern, L. monocytogenes is resistant to various food storage techniques, including reduced or modified atmosphere packaging, refrigerated storage, and increased salt concentration. Cold‐smoked fishery products have been implicated in a number of listeriosis cases, where it is estimated that between 6 and 36% of cold‐smoked fish is contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Edible coatings incorporated with natural antimicrobials have been suggested to control pathogenic and spoilage bacteria on a variety of meat products. In this study, edible zein‐based coatings incorporated with nisin and lemongrass essential oil (LG) (8%) were evaluated for antibacterial action against L. monocytogenes and spoilage organisms on cold‐smoked, cultured hybrid striped bass, Morone saxatilis × Morone chrysops, under polyvinyl chlorine (PVC) and vacuum packaging for 14 days (PVC) and 42 days (vacuum packaging), respectively, at 4°C. In this study, corn zein‐based edible coatings were found to be an effective carrier for nisin and LG. Nisin‐treated samples were most effective against L. monocytogenes in both PVC and vacuum‐packaged fillets, with a total reduction of 3.5 log and 3.7 log, respectively over the length of the storage time. LG‐treated samples reduced L. monocytogenes cell counts by 2.5 log in PVC and 1.7 log in vacuum‐packaged samples. Only LG‐treated samples packaged in PVC were found to inhibit the growth of spoilage organisms. Because nisin‐ and LG‐treated fillets reduced L. monocytogenes, they may be useful methods to improve food safety in smoked seafood.     

Nutritional and Sensory Quality of the Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii and the Influence of Packaging Permeability on its Shelf Life

The Malaysian freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii was used for nutritional, bacteriological and sensory evaluations. Prawns were refrigerated (0 ± 1°C) and divided into two groups named T1 and T2 corresponding to permeable and impermeable (O₂/CO₂) packaging, respectively, in order to evaluate their shelf life. The percent composition ensured its high nutritional value, and consumer testing showed that acceptability was close to ideal, with good purchase intent. The type of treatment did not significantly influence the parameters assessed, and the shelf life was established as 150 h. The mesophilic bacteria count was the determining factor for quality assessment. Total volatile basic nitrogen and pH were not good parameters for evaluating quality, whereas the biogenic amines, especially agmatine, appeared to be appropriate quality parameters.     

Comparative Oxygen Consumption and Metabolism of Striped Bass Morone saxatilis and its Hybrid M. chrysops♀ xM. saxatilis♂

It has been reported that metabolic rates of striped bass Morone saxatilis and hybrid striped bass M. chrysops♀ x M. saxatilis♂ are different. A series of experiments were conducted to further characterize oxygen consumption and metabolism of striped bass and its hybrid, the sunshine bass. Oxygen consumption was measured to determine standard and routine metabolic rates of striped bass and hybrid striped bass in a freshwater, flow‐through tank system. Additionally, blood chemistry stress indicators of the two bass groups were compared in both fresh and brackish water. Hematocrit (% PCV) and hemoglobin were measured in order to compare oxidative efficiencies of the bass. Plasma glucose, chlorides, and cortisol levels were measured to compare the relative stress status of the two bass types reared under experimental conditions. No significant differences were found in average daily oxygen consumption between striped bass and sunshine bass for either standard metabolism (P= 0.92), or routine metabolism (P = 0.86). Standard metabolic rates of oxygen consumption were 69 ± 4.1 and 68 ± 3.5 mg 0₂/kg³/⁴ bw/h for sunshine bass and striped bass respectively. Routine metabolic rates were 132 ± 30 and 125 ± 30 mg O₂/kg^3/4 bw/h for sunshine bass and striped bass respectively. While there were no significant differences in oxygen consumption between species, normal feeding activity generally resulted in increased oxygen consumption by the fish. Striped bass had significantly lower hematocrit values (P= 0.0001), but significantly higher hemoglobin concentrations than sunshine bass maintained in freshwater (P= 0.0001). Striped bass had significantly higher (P= 0.0001) levels of plasma glucose compared to sunshine bass (176 ± 8.6 vs. 103 ± 5.6 mg/dL respectively). Plasma chloride levels for striped bass (123 ± 1.9 mEq/L) were significantly higher (P= 0.041) than plasma chloride levels of sunshine bass (117 ± 1.7 mEq/L). Plasma cortisol levels were significantly higher (P= 0.0081) for striped bass (147 ± 8.4 ng/mL) compared to sunshine bass (119 ± 5.6 ng/ mL) when reared in freshwater. When maintained in brackish water, sunshine bass had significantly higher hematocrit values (P= 0.0001), and hemoglobin concentrations (P= 0.0012) when compared to striped bass. However, sunshine bass had significantly higher hemoglobin concentrations (P= 0.0012) when compared to striped bass. In addition, plasma glucose levels were significantly lower (P = 0.0079) for sunshine bass (79 ± 4.1 g/dL) when compared to striped bass (115 ± 11 g/dL). There were no significant differences between the bass in levels of chlorides or cortisol. No differences were detected in oxygen consumption. However, hybrid striped bass may have more efficient oxidative metabolism due to elevated hemoglobin concentrations. While striped bass hemoglobin values tended to be higher in brackish water than in freshwater, sunshine bass hematocrit or hemoglobin values generally were significantly higher than striped bass in both fresh and brackish water. Based on these results, hybrid striped bass may be capable of directing more energy towards growth than striped bass due to more efficient oxidative metabolism and lower losses of energy related to increased stress.     

Acute and Sublethal Effects of Ammonia on Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass

Bioassays in static water (mean ± SD; temperature, 20–22 C; pH, 8.2–8.4; alkalinity, 205 ± 10 mg/L CaCO₃; total hardness, 220 ± 10 mg/L CaCO₃) were used to determine median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of un-ionized ammonia (NH₃-N) for striped bass Moronc saxatilis and hybrid striped bass M. saxatilis × M. chrysops. The 96 h LC₅₀ for striped bass was 1.01 ± 0.24 mg/L NH₃-N₃ and was significantly higher than the LC₅₀ for hybrid striped bass (0.64 ± 0.05 mg/L NH₃-N). The effects of sublethal ammonia were evaluated after fish were exposed for 96 h to 0.0, 0.25, or 0.5 mg/L NH₃-N or to additional exposure to oxygen depleted water (about 2.0 mg O₂/L). Plasma ammonia of striped hass did not change as sublethal ammonia increased, but exposure to oxygen depletion caused a decrease in plasma ammonia. In contrast, plasma ammonia of hybrid striped bass increased as environmental ammonia increased, and increased further after exposure to oxygen depletion. Plasma cortisol levels of striped bass were significantly higher and more variable than cortisol levels of hybrid striped bass; additional exposure to oxygen depletion increased this variability, but these responses may be due to the stress of handling and confinement. Mean differences also existed between species for hemoglobin and hematocrit, while differences in variability occurred for osmolality and oxygen depletion rates. Striped bass tolerated ammonia better than hybrid striped bass but were more susceptible than hybrid striped bass to the additional stress of oxygen depletion. Most changes in physiological characteristics were relatively independent of environmental ammonia, but they were affected by oxygen depletion challenge.