Nutritional Composition of Three Different Fishes (Clarias gariepinus, Malapterurus electricus and Tilapia guineensis)

Abstract

Proximate and mineral compositions of three different fishes were carried out with standard methods. The fishes are catfish (Clarias gariepinus), electric fish (Malapterurus electricus) and tilapia fish (Tilapia guineensis). The results revealed the presence of moisture content ranging from 52.45 to 60.05%, protein 18.35 to 20.83%, lipids 6.53 to 13.86%, ash 3.14 to 4.57%, fibre 1.96 to 2.65% and carbohydrate 3.85 to 8.86%. Minerals included potassium (91.51-102.86 mg/kg), calcium (16.32-24.53 mg/kg), sodium (59.21-75.12 mg/kg) and magnesium (29.61-41.44 mg/kg) while iron and zinc were present in trace amounts. The data showed that the fishes are of high nutritional value and good source of proteins and minerals.