Fate of labeled n-alkanes in the blue crab and stripped mullet.

Results of these studies demonstrate that the blue crab was readily able to take up and discharge labeled n-alkanes, but it was not able to metabolize them. In contrast, it appears that n-alkanes taken up via the digestive tract in mullet are readily metabolized, probably via microorganisms in the gut. More limited metabolism was observed in mullet when n-alkanes were taken up via the gills.