Studies on the Psychrotrophic Bacteria from Croaker Fish (Johnius dussumieri) Treated with Propyl Paraben

Psychrotrophs belonging to the genera Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Achromobacter, Pseudobacterium and Micrococcus were isolated from croaker fish (Johnius dussumieri) treated with preservative, propyl p-hydroxy 4-benzoate (paraben). The optimum growth temperature for the selected cultures was 27±2°C and visible growth was discernable at O"C within 8-10 days. A generic succession was observed as the spoilage of fish advanced. Pseudomonas, Achromobacter and Vibrio dominated over other genera as late spoilers. Biochemical activities of these genera were also tested.