328 EIGHTH PACIFIC SCIENCE CONGRESS 



genetic series of fish-like cliordates, including cyclostones, elasmobranchs 

 and numerous groups of true fishes. Edible and commercially valuable 

 species in one locality may prove violently poisonous in another area. 

 The pharmacological and chemical properties of most ichthyosarco- 

 toxins are unknown. The poisons are water soluble and are not de- 

 stroyed by ordinary cooking procedures. Bacteria are not involved in 

 the production of the poison. Ichthyosarcotoxism or fish poisoning ap- 

 pears in the form of different clinical entities. Four clinical types of 

 ichthyosarcotoxism typified by various neurological and gastrointestinal 

 symptoms are known to be endemic to the Pacific area: Tetraodon, Gym- 

 nothorax, Ciguatera and Scombroid poisoning. The interrelationship of 

 the various poisons involved is not understood. The treatment of fish 

 poisoning is largely symptomatic. Research is urgently needed on the 

 distribution, biology, ecology and systematics of reef fishes. The prob- 

 lem of poisonous fishes and fish poisoning will become of increasing 

 economic and public health importance in the Pacific area in the years 

 to come. 



Acknowledgment 



The author takes pleasure in acknowledging the many helpful sug- 

 gestions and kindly constructive criticism received from Dr. K. F. Meyer 

 in the preparation of this manuscript. 



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