Proximate composition, Amino acid, Fatty acid and mineral analysis of box crab, Calappa lophus (Herbst, 1782) from Parangipettai, Southeast Coast of India

Abstract

The proximate composition of protein, lipids, carbohydrate, minerals and other minor components of Calappa lophus was analyses. The crab was separated into two parts, which is body (Shell and Muscles) and appendages (Walking legs Claws). The digestive system was removed edible portions were taken separately and the tissues samples were kept in an electric oven at 75°C (30 Min.) for proper drying. The Calappa lophus appendage and body region has average quantity of Protein, Carbohydrate, Fat, Ash and Moisture in the level of (22.19 gm, 21.45gm), (8.34gm, 5.45gm), (55.18gm, 61.91gm), (2.56gm, 2.98gm), (73.11gm, 82.98gm) respectively. Totally twenty-one amino acids were found in the box crab. Therefore, eleven essential amino acids (EAA) and ten non essential amino acids (NEAA) were detected. In maximum 0.925 mg Lysine was detected in an appendage. Minimum concentration of EAA Tryptophan 0.193 mg was observed in body portion of box crab. Important EAA Taurine 0.251 mg detected in the crab. In NEAA Glutamic acid 1.012 mg was the maximum level of NEAA in body part. Aspargine 0.119 mg was observed as a minimum quantity of NEAA in body part. Totally six fatty acids were found in appendage and body of box-crab. In appendage 8.39 mg of Stearic acid 18:0 was observed as the high quantity of fatty acid and in minimum 0.35 mg of Moroctic acid 18:4 was detected in the body part of C. lophus. Totally seven major minerals are observed in this C. lophus both sample. Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) were present in both sample of C. lophus. The calcium 245.2 mg was observed as a major element in appendages. The objective of present study is to conclude the proximate composition and nutrition value of the box crab to encourage an increase in the utilization of these species in larger amount.