PRODUCTION OF AMYLASE BY THE INTESTINAL BACTERIA OF JAPANESE COASTAL ANIMALS

The amylase-producing ability of intestinal bacteria in one marine cra b and seven fish species was determined. Mean total viable counts rang ed from 1.3 x 10(5) to 1.5 x 10(8) cfu g(-1), and Vibrionaceae were pr edominant in all specimens. Of 1585 strains examined, 341 (21.5%) prod uced greater than or equal to 0.01 U amylase ml(-1). Percentage of pro ducers (greater than or equal to 0.01 U ml(-1)) differed among genera/ families, High abilities (greater than or equal to 0.05 U ml(-1)) were found in 1.4-3.6% of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas and Vibrionaceae strains. On the other hand, percentage of producers varied with anima l species. These results reveal that the amylase producers were widely distributed in the digestive tracts of coastal animals including crab s and fish, irrespective of their food habitats.