The Bacteriology of Shark Spoilage

Abstract

The spoilage of shark is considered on present evidence to be due to autolysis and bacterial action, but the relative importance of each is not known.

Spoilage is regarded as due to production of ammonia from urea and other nitrogenous bodies present in shark flesh, as well as to the formation of less volatile substances.

The genera Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Sarcina, Pseudomonus, Bacillus, Enterobacter, and Mycoplana are recorded as well as a Torula.

The flora is regarded as a modified marine flora in which the Gram-positive elements have been greatly epriched, with the Gram-negative of little importance. It resembles a mud flora rather than one from sea-water.