Nutrient Composition of Some Marine Edible Fish Species from Kasimedu Fish Landing Centre, Chennai (TN), India

The objective of this study was to determine the morphometric characters, body indices, proximate and mineral composition of seven commercially important marine edible fish species from the Chennai coast, India. The results showed that the morphometric characters varied widely among the fishes studied. The average moisture content ranges from 68.2 to 75.1 %. Majority of fishes had average crude protein content between 51.1 and 74.8 % with highest in Trichiurus lepturus (74.8%). The fat content varied widely from 1.49 to 21.5 % with Arius dussumieri being the fattiest fish (21.5%). The total ash content ranges from 14.1 to 36.4 %. Leiognathus equulus and Liza macrolepis had high values of total ash with 36.4 and 28.5 % respectively. Similarly highest carbohydrate was observed in L. macrolepis (6.51%). Body indices showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the fishes. A. dussumieri and Terapon jarbua had high values of hepatosomatic index (2.36 %). Similarly highest viscerosomatic index was observed in L. macrolepis (11.1%). Condition factor showed wide variations from 0.06 to 1.53k. The analysis of minerals showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Phosphorus content was found to be highest in T. jarbua and T. lepturus. Similarly highest calcium and iron were recorded in L. macrolepis and A. dussumieri. The results showed that fish samples were good sources of nutrients and minerals and could provide multihealth benefits if consumed in recommended amounts.