Enhancement of Bromophenol Content in Cultivated Green Grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Bromophenols are a group of compounds found only in marine organisms. They accumulate and give a sea-like aroma to marine animals. Cultivated fishes generally contain low concentrations of bromophenols compared to wild fishes. Feeding cultivated fishes with bromophenol-containing seaweed could increase their bromophenol content and thus improve their flavor quality. We evaluated the effect of an experimental feed on the bromophenol content of green grouper, Epinephelus coioides, during an 8-week feeding period. Green grouper individuals were divided into two groups and fed with conventional feed or experimental feed containing dried seaweed. Fish were collected biweekly for 8 weeks for proximate analyses and bromophenol content evaluations. Bromophenols were extracted, identified, and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Both moisture and lipid contents were generally higher in the controls; however, total weight and protein content were higher in the experimental group. Only 2,4-dibromophenol and 2,4,6-tribromophenol were detected in the samples. Throughout the 8 weeks, 2,4,6-tribromophenol concentrations were higher in the experimental group (9.20-32.3 ng/g dry wt) than in the control group (7.33-18.79 ng/g dry wt), but no significant difference in 2,4-dibromophenol concentration was detected between the two groups. The total bromophenol content reached a maximum at week 4 for the experimental feed and week 6 for the control. In short, experimental feed that incorporated bromophenol-containing seaweed increased the total bromophenol content in the green grouper.