Profiling of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids of Myctophid Fish Species in Arabian Sea

Abstract

Nutritional database on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids profile of myctophid fish species from Arabian Sea is relatively scanty. In this study, the omega-3 fatty acids [docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)] profile of four myctophid species of fishes (Benthosema pterotum, Benthosema fibulatum, Diaphus jenseni, Myctophum spinosum) caught from Arabian Sea was compared with commerson’s anchovy (Stolephorus commersonii) to evaluate their nutritional quality for human health benefits. The protein content of myctophid fishes ranged between 19.36% for Myctophum spinosum to 13.74% for Benthosema pterotum. Total fat (3.64%) and moisture content (81.03%) were high in Benthosema pterotum (3.64%). Stolephorus commersonii was found to have higher ash content (3.23%). Myctophid omega-3 PUFA profile is comparable to Commenrson’s anchovy fatty acid composition. Presence of higher DHA content in M. spinosum (20.2%), B. pterotum (17.48%) was comparable to edible S. commersonii (16.9%) emphasizes that these underutilized non-edible myctophids may be considered as a potential nutrient resource of omega3 PUFA especially DHA for the formulation of nutraceuticals, cosmetics and animal feeds.