Digestive enzyme activity in developing grouper (Epinephelus coioides) larvae

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the activities of alkaline and acid type proteases [proteinases], α-amylase, lipase [triacylglycerol lipase], trypsin, chymotrypsin, leucine aminopeptidase [cytosol aminopeptidase], and alkaline and acid phosphatases during larval development of the grouper, Epinephelus coioides. The maximum variation in specific activities of alkaline and acid type proteases, α-amylase, lipase, trypsin, chymotrypsin, leucine aminopeptidase, and acid and alkaline phosphatases in the digestive tract of grouper larvae was mostly related to the onset or the end of metamorphosis during larval development.