Seasonal changes in total carotenoid contents of wild marine shrimps (Penaeus semisulcatus and Metapenaeus monoceros) inhabiting the eastern Mediterranean

Penaeus semisulcatus and Metapenaeus monoceros, harvested in January, April, July and October, were analysed for total carotenoid contents. During spring and summer, for both species, the carotenoid contents were considerably higher than in winter and autumn seasons p<0.05. Mean carotenoid contents of P. semisulcatus and M. monoceros were 14.1 ± 0.45 and 16.9 ± 0.26 mg/kg, respectively. These values are quite high compared to other seafoods.