Ugilec-141(R) is a PCB substitute based on chlorinated benzyltoluenes which has been reported as an environmental contaminant in some German rivers. It is structurally similar to some phenylxylylethanes which induce hepatic microsomal mono-oxygenases in fish. When injected i.p. into dab (Limanda limanda) or flounder (Platichthys flesus) Ugilec-141 did not consistently induce hepatic microsomal ethoxyresorufin O-de-ethylase (EROD), ethoxycoumarin O-de-ethylase (ECOD) or pentoxyresorufin O-de-alkylase (PROD). When injected into winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) to yield tissue concentrations in the 2-40-mu-g/g range, Ugilec-141 slightly (but significantly) induced EROD (2.4-fold), ECOD (2.5-fold) and 3-cyano-7-ethoxycoumarin O-de-ethylase (4.4-fold). The classic inducer, beta-naphthoflavone, consistently induced all these indices of mono-oxygenase activity in all species. Components of Ugilec-141 therefore appear to be only mild inducers of fish hepatic microsomal mono-oxygenase systems.