The Biosynthesis of Astaxanthin—XX The Carotenoids in Marine Red Fish and the Metabolism of the Carotenoids in Sea Bream, Chrysophrys major Temminck and Schlegel

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-1976

Abstract

It was found that the most abundant carotenoid in the integument and internal organs of marine red fish was astaxanthin, and the second most abundant pigment in the integument was tunaxanthin. Canthaxanthin and 3-hydroxy-canthaxanthin were also isolated from some species. Those carotenoids had been shown to be biosynthetic intermediates in the pathway from β-carotene to astaxanthin in Crustacea. In sea bream, canthaxanthin and 3-hydroxy-canthaxanthin can be obtained directly from the diet because half-digested Squilla oratoria and Crustacea are found in their stomachs. Ingested canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin could not be converted to astaxanthin by sea bream, but were deposited in the flesh without modification. From the results of this and previous studies, it is concluded that marine red fish cannot oxidize the 3,3′ and 4,4′ positions of the β-ionone ring. © 1976, The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science. All rights reserved.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

NIPPON SUISAN GAKKAISHI

Volume

42

Issue

10

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