Ciguatoxin-like toxicity distribution in flesh of amberjack (Seriola spp.) and dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)

Ciguatoxins (CTXs) are marine neurotoxins that cause ciguatera poisoning (CP), mainly through the consumption of fish. The distribution of CTXs in fish is known to be unequal. Studies have shown that viscera accumulate more toxins than muscle, but little has been conducted on toxicity distribution in the flesh, which is the main edible part of fish, and the caudal muscle is also most commonly targeted for the monitoring of CTXs in the Canary Islands. At present, whether this sample is representative of the toxicity of an individual is undisclosed. This study aims to assess the distribution of CTXs in fish, considering different muscle samples, the liver, and gonads. To this end, tissues from four amberjacks (Seriola spp.) and four dusky groupers (Epinephelus marginatus), over 16.5 kg and captured in the Canary Islands, were analyzed by neuroblastoma-2a cell-based assay. Flesh samples were collected from the extraocular region (EM), head (HM), and different areas from the fillet (A-D). In the amberjack, the EM was the most toxic muscle (1.510 CTX1B Eq.g(-1)), followed by far for the caudal section of the fillet (D) (0.906 CTX1B Eq.g(-1)). In the dusky grouper flesh samples, D and EM showed the highest toxicity (0.279 and 0.273 CTX1B Eq.g(-1)). In both species, HM was one of the least toxic samples (0.421 and 0.166 CTX1B Eq.g(-1)). The liver stood out for its high CTX concentration (3.643 and 2.718 CTX1B Eq.g(-1)), as were the gonads (1.620 and 0.992 CTX1B Eq.g(-1)). According to these results, the caudal muscle next to the tail is a reliable part for use in determining the toxicity of fish flesh to guarantee its safe consumption. Additionally, the analysis of the liver and gonads could provide further information on doubtful specimens, and be used for CTX monitoring in areas with an unknown prevalence of ciguatera.

Automated summary

This study aims to assess the distribution of CTXs in fish, considering different muscle samples, the liver, and gonads. The results show that the caudal muscle next to the tail is a reliable part for use in determining the toxicity of fish flesh for safe consumption. Additionally, the analysis of the liver and gonads could provide further information on doubtful samples and be used for CTX monitoring in areas with an unknown prevalence of ciguatera.