Seasonal variations in the proximate composition of Puntius thomassi (Day, 1874) from Tungabhadra River, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Proximate analysis of the small indigenous cyprinid fish, Puntius thomassi was conducted for a period of one year (March, 2018 to February, 2019). Seasonal variation in the biochemical composition of the fish muscle was carried out for both non-infected and infected fishes. The highest protein content for non-infected fish was observed as16.18% and 16.77% during post-monsoon season and for infected fishes it was observed as 16.10% and 16.19% during pre-monsoon season. The highest lipid content for non-infected fish was observed as 3.12% and 2.82% during pre-monsoon season and lowest was 2.10% and 1.86% during monsoon season. Significant variation in the moisture and ash content of non-infected and infected fish was also observed. The present study revealed a strong correlation between the proximate composition and spawning periodicity of the fish. The present study also indicates Puntius thomassi as a potential source of nutrients for human consumption.