Using column, thin layer, and high pressure chromatographies, the authors studied the occurrence of various carotenoids and their total content in the fins, skin, muscles, liver, intestine, and gonads of pre-spawning male and female smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) from Lake Wigry in the Suwałki region. A total of 15 carotenoids were identified, zeaxanthin being the dominant carotenoid. The total carotenoid content in males was higher than that in females; the carotenoid-richest male organs were the intestine and liver, while gonads (eggs) and intestine were the carotenoid-richest organs in females.

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