Investigation of the Biochemical Composition of Heterobranchus longifilis, Clarias gariepinus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus of the Cross River, Nigeria

Abstract

The proximate composition and mineral contents of Heterobranchus longifilis, Clarias gariepinus and Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus caught in the Cross River, Nigeria were investigated. Live specimens of these species were bought from the market and conveyed to the laboratory for study. In the laboratory, the food components of protein, fat, moisture and some minerals were measured following the methods given by AOAC. Crude protein in C. nigrodigitatus was 19.0% and in C. gariepinus it was 20.0% and 20.5% in H. longifilis. Fat contents were 5.04%, 5.0% and 6.0% in C. nigrodigitatus, C. gariepinus and H. longifilis respectively, while 75%, 73% and 75% were determined as moisture in C. nigrodigitatus, C. gariepinus and H. longifilis respectively. These values were not significant (p>0.05). The species are good sources for calcium, potassium and phosphorus and also excellent sources for iron. Copper was not detected in any of the species. These results are linked to the nutritional aspects of the species as food fish and also as animal feed and drug concentrates.