In this study, three groups of mixed starter cultures (S1: Lactobacillus plantarum 120, Staphylococcus
xylosus 135 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 31; S2: L. plantarum 145, S. xylosus 135 and S. cerevisiae 22; S3:
Pediococcus pentosaceus 220; S. xylosus 135 and S. cerevisiae 22), isolated from Suan yu, were inoculated
to produce the traditional fermented fish. After 42 days fermentation at 24 C, Suan yu inoculated with
different mixed starter cultures underwent rapid growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), declined pH,
suppressed increase of thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) as well as
growth of spoilage bacteria and pathogens. Besides, Suan yu had higher contents of non-protein nitrogen
(NPN) and total free amino acids (FAA) compared to the control (P < 0.05). The muscle proteins were
severely hydrolyzed during fermentation (SDS-PAGE). Moreover, the sensory evaluation indicates the
fermented fish was more widely accepted than the control. The results suggest that the inoculation with
S1, S2 and S3 reduced the lag time that fermentation began and improved the quality of Suan yu.