Metabolomic profiles and potential biomarkers identification among targeted muscles of fresh hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) and golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)

Differential metabolites and potential biomarkers of hybrid grouper and golden pompano muscles were identified in this study. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were performed to evaluate liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomic analysis. Among the metabolites, 1678 co-contained differential metabolites in positive modes and 1445 co-contained differential metabolites in negative modes were investigated. Sixteen most differential metabolites were determined as potential biomarkers in different muscle groups. The top 10 KEGG-enriched pathways were identified. The sensory characteristics of groups were highest in aroma and sulfur-organic compounds in both fishes. Most organic acid contents in hybrid grouper were significantly higher than those of golden pompano. This present study provides a baseline for a better understanding of potential metabolites involved in muscle quality and taste as well as could provide a piece of further knowledge to identify the significant role of key biomarkers in fish muscles.