Chemical composition, minerals content and fatty acids profile of five freshwater fish species

Abstract EN

This study evaluated the nutritional composition of five freshwater fish species (Bagrus bajad, Lates niloticus L., Mormyrus casahive L., Oreochromis niloticus L., Synodontis schall).

M.

casahive showed the highest dressing (72.89%) and fillet (86.41%) percentages.

Remarkably, M.

casahive had the lowest acid value (0.02 mg KOH/g) while the highest value was found in L.

niloticus (0.12 mg KOH/g).

highest protein and ash contents were found in O.

niloticus, S.

schall and L.

niloticus while the highest fat content was found in M.

casahive.

potassium is the predominant mineral found in all fish species with L.

niloticus exhibiting the highest value followed by M.

casahive.

among the trace element, zinc was found in greater amount in all fish species except B.

bajad where iron was present in high quantity.

M.

casahive has the highest saturated fatty acids (63.72%) followed by B.

bajad (26.67%).

Interestingly, S.

schall and O.

niloticus have high unsaturated fatty acids.

the greatest eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content (9.99%) was found in L.

niloticus.

in conclusion, these fishes supply human with healthy and nutritious foods.