Beta-apo-4'-carotenal oxygenase involved in the last step od synthesis of neurosporaxanthin, a carboxylic apocarotenoid acting as an essential protective pigments and leading to orange pigmentation. Is also able to use shorter apocarotenals as substrates (such as beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C30), beta-apo-10'-carotenal (C27), or the acyclic apocarotenal apo-8'-lycopenal (C30)), indicating wide substrate specificity. 4'-apo-beta-carotenal + H2O + NAD(+) = 2 H(+) + NADH + neurosporaxanthin Expression is increased about three-fold after 30 min of illumination, and decreased thereafter. Belongs to the aldehyde dehydrogenase family.