Biochemical composition of some marine fish species of Ghana

Abstract

The biochemical compositions of five commercial marine fish species (Chloroscombus chrysurus, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Sardinella aurita, Scombus japonicus and Syacium micurum) landed at the Elmina landing quay were analyzed using standard analytical techniques. The results indicate significant differences among the biochemical compositions of the five fish species studied. Moisture content ranged from 72.36% in S. japonicus (chub mackerel) to 79.06% in S. micurum (the sole fish). The least protein content (16.71%) was observed in S. micurum and the highest of 22.53% in S. japonicus. The fat content was highest for S. japonicus (15.27%) and lowest for S. micurum (3.10%). In all the five fish species studied, calcium content was highest, followed by phosphorus and iron content was the least. P. senegalensis (cassava fish), however, had higher phosphorus than calcium content. S. micurum is therefore recommended for people with over-weight (obesity) problem.