Mycotoxigenic and Proteolytic Potential of Moulds Associated with Smoked Shark Fish (Chlamydoselachus anguincus)

Among the 33 moulds isolated from 20 samples of wood-smoked Chlamydoselachus anguincus (shark-fish) 20 isolates were capable of producing metabolites toxic to fertile Hubbard Golden Comet (Niger chick) eggs. Aspergillus and Pencillium isolates were the predominant moulds. Other toxigenic moulds isolated were Eurotium, Fusarium and Cladosporium species. The protease producing potential of the isolates varied among the genera and between isolates of the same species. The existence and growth of these moulds on smoked fish is a pointer to the potential health risk associated with the consumption of mouldy dry fish.