Abstract
Anisakis sp. larvae when incubated in vitro produced secretions/excretions which released the dye from an azocoll substrate, indicating protease activity. The optimal conditions for enzyme release and activity were a temperature of 37°C and a pH of 7·5. In addition the larvae showed peak behavioural activity at 37°C, the body temperature of the final, marine mammalian host. The results are discussed in relation to their possible significance to the invasion of the various hosts in the life-cycle.