Metabolism in marine flatfish—I. Carbohydrate digestion in Dover sole (Solea solea L.)

Abstract

Abstract 1. 1. A survey of the carbohydrases in the digestive tract of juvenile and adult Dover sole indicated the presence of strong amylase and maltase activities. 2. 2. The highest levels of these enzymes were present in the foregut region. 3. 3. Chitinase and chitobiase activities were also detected and shown to be optimal at pH 9.5 and 5.0 respectively. 4. 4. Other carbohydrases were either absent from gut homogenates or were only present at very low levels. 5. 5. The relationship between these results and the nutritional requirements of Dover sole is discussed and comparisons made with studies on other fish.