Fluorescence of Fish Bones

A fluorescence method is described for the qualification and quantification of bones and bone fragments in fish fillets. Bones from six different fish species were shown to exhibit a strong ultraviolet-blue fluorescence (390 nm), when excited by light at 340 nm. The method greatly simplifies searching for bones in fish fillets when they are not deeply embedded in tissue. It is concluded that the method offers promise in the establishment of a routine analysis for inspection of individual fillets in a normal filleting line for bones and parasitic nematodes.