Exploring carotenoid levels and characteristics in fish fillets from West African coastal fisheries

Abstract

Using column (CC), thin- layer (TLC) and high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), carotenoid
content was examined in the fillets (muscles with skin) of 16 fish species from the fisheries of West
African Coast. 15 carotenoids, including 6 ketocarotenoids (4’- hydroxyechinenone, canthaxanthin,
phoenicopterone, phoenicoxanthin, astaxanthin, 7,8- didehydroastaxanthin) were found, with a
predominance of 3,4- dihydro- α- carotene, zeaxanthin, phoenicopterone, canthaxanthin,
phoenicoxanthin and astaxanthin. Total carotenoid content in the examined material ranged from 0.086
(Merluccius merluccius) to 0.352 µg g-1
wet mass (Macrurus aequalis). Also, the increase of different
environmental factors- especially food, parasites and organochlorine pollution on carotenoid content in
fishes and their role in human’s life was discussed.