Quality Differences of Large Yellow Croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) Cultured in Deep-Water Sea Cages of Two China Regions

Environmental factors, i.e. geographic sites and regions, can affect the nutritional values and organoleptic properties of fish products. Therefore, this paper aims to study the quality (e.g. biometric and physicochemical parameters) of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) cultured in two regions (Zhoushan and Taizhou) during grow-out phase in deep-water sea cages. The cultured fish would be compared to its wild counterpart as well. Generally, wild fish was characterized by significantly higher values of protein content and shear force in texture assessment, but lower total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), compared to the cultured fish. Between the two cultured regions, the significantly higher values of length/height ratio, condition factor and protein content were observed in fish from Taizhou, whilst higher values of total weight, lipid content were observed in fish from Zhoushan. In addition, fish from Zhoushan was characterized by higher value of yellowness in skin colour, whilst fish from Taizhou was characterized by higher value of lightness. Texture profile showed higher values of gumminess and chewiness in fish from Zhoushan. Moreover, significantly higher values of total amino acids, total non-essential amino acids, and total semi-essential amino acids were observed in fish from Zhoushan. By contrast, the significantly higher total PUFAs, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) values were found in fish from Taizhou culture. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the quality differences between aquaculture regions of large yellow croaker.