An Extensive Survey of Ciguatoxins on Grouper Variola louti from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, Using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Ingesting fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs) originating from epibenthic dinoflagellates causes ciguatera poisoning (CFP). CFP occurs mainly in the tropical and subtropical Indo–Pacific region Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, it sporadically Japan, especially Ryukyu Islands between Taiwan Kyushu, Japan. Variola louti is most frequently implicated a suggested toxin profile, consisting of ciguatoxin-1B two deoxy congeners. Therefore, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we analyzed CTXs flesh 154 individuals various locations detected 99 specimens (64%). In 65 (43%), CTX levels exceeded Food Drug Administration (FDA) guidance level (0.01 µg/kg). four (3%), guideline Japan (>0.18 µg/kg) was met. Additionally, although highest total 0.376 µg/kg, consumption 180 g this specimen assumed to cause CFP. Moreover, only CTX1B, 52-epi-54-deoxyCTX1B, 54-deoxyCTX1B were detected, relative contribution three CTX1B analogs content (35 ± 7.7 (SD)%, 27 8.1%, 38 5.6%, respectively) being similar those reported decade ago. Subsequently, consistency profile V. confirmed many wide area. As observed, correlated sizes, including standard length (r = 0.503, p 3.08 × 10?11), body weight 3.01 estimated age 0.439, 3.81 10?7) specimens. Besides, no correlation observed condition factor (CF) levels, significance difference (p 0.039) groups skinnier fattier fish, separated by median CF (3.04). Results also showed that ranged 2.49 2.87, they than average (3.03) all