Biochemical composition of five fish species (C. laticeps; D. rostratus; S. schall; S. mystus and H. bebe) from river Niger in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Five West Africa freshwater fishes namely Clarotes laticeps; Distichodus rostratus; Synodontis schall; Schilbe mystus and Hyperopisus bebe from the River Niger, Illushi, in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State were analysed to determine their biochemical composition. The fish specimens were purchased at the bank of the river, between June 2006 and January 2007. They were put in an iced box and immediately transported to the laboratory where routine body measurement and biochemical analysis were carried out. The result of the proximate compositions showed protein had a value of 11.29%; 23.59%; 11.79%; 12.95% and 14.10%, while lipid had a value of 5.49; 6.81; 8.80; 5.06 and 6.27. Moisture had a value of 68.81; 64.83; 67.76; 69.00; and 70.5 while ash had a value of 4.99; 3.74; 5.10; 4.29; 5.4 for C laticeps; D rostratus; S. schall; S. mystus and H. bebe respectively. This result shows that taste, size, freshness and other related external appearances should not be the only factors to be considered in making choice for marketing and consumption of fishes. The result obtained in this study has provided scientific information and detailed knowledge of the proximate composition of these five important commercial fish species.