The ionic composition of the plasma and erythrocytes of deep sea fish.

This paper reports measurements of the plasma osmolarities, the main inorganic ions and the concentrations of plasma proteins in nine species of deep sea fish from depths of 900-4,000 m. Chloride and magnesium values are high compared to those of shallow water fish. These ions may be contaminants from sea water either contributing to, or resulting from, the animals' moribund condition. They may also contribute to the failure of isolated erythrocytes to show ionic regulation even after being restored to their normal high pressure.