Proximate and mineral compositions of Schilbe mystus (Linne 1758) and Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier 1829)

Abstract

The nutrient composition of fish has been established to vary with species and growing environment. Hence, the proximate composition and mineral contents of Schilbe mystus
and Heterotis niloticus in Lake Alau were investigated to determine their nutritive value. A total of 10 fresh samples of each species obtained from fishermen catch (weight: 315.20 – 436.10 g) were separately stunted, de-gutted, washed, grounded and analyzed for moisture, crude protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium and magnesium following standard procedures. Mean moisture (62.95 ± 1.97 %) and ash (2.40 ± 0.21 %) contents were higher in H. niloticus, while crude protein content (35.20 ± 1.48 %) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in S. mystus. Also, the fat content was significantly higher in H. niloticus (12.20 ± 1.08 %) than in S. mystus (3.97 ± 0.39 %). Carbohydrate value was higher (p>0.05) in S. mystus (2.20 ± 0.33 %) than in H. niloticus (1.85 ± 1.01 %). Values of iron (1.16 ± 0.35 %) and potassium (5.50 ± 0.50 %) were marginally higher in S. mystus, while sodium (85.10 ± 12.81 %) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in S. mystus. This study thus provides baseline information on the present nutritive status of the two freshwater finfish species in Lake Alau.

Keywords: Nutritive value, Schilbe mystus, Heterotis niloticus, Fish food, Lake Alau