Carotenoid content in Anguilla anguilla (L.) individuals undertaking spawning migration

The authors investigated the carotenoid content in different parts of Angui lla anguilla (L.) undertaking spawning migration, in spring, summer and aut umn. By means of column and thin-layer chromatography, the following carote noids were found to be present: beta-carotene, epsilon-carotene, beta-crypt oxanthin, neothxanthin, lutein, tunaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein epoxide, 3' -hydroxyechinenone, canthaxanthin, idoxanthin, phoenicoxanthin, alpha-dorad exanthin, beta-doradexanthin and astaxanthin. In the eel examined individua ls a different carotenoid content was found in October. In winter when eels do not feed and therefore do not absorb carotenoids, carotenoid content de creases in the liver, the intestines, and particularly in the muscles. In s pring when eels undertake active life carotenoid concentration increases ra pidly in these organs within a month. In summer during intensive predation, carotenoid concentration in the muscles reaches a maximum.