Nutrient Composition In Small Indigenous Fish Species of Begans Lake Pokhara

Abstract

Small indigenous fishes are very tasty and costly compared to other food fishes. In this present study, an attempt has been made to find out the nutrient composition in small indigenous fish species of Begnas Lake, Pokhara, Nepal. Sample collection was done from February to July 2020. Fish individuals of different species were collected from Begnas Lake, nearby outlets, irrigation canal as well as Fish Collection Centre. The proximate and minerals analysis were done by methods: determination of moisture content (hot air oven method), crude protein (Micro-Kjeldahl), crude fat (ether extraction method), total ash and minerals (calcium, phosphorous and iron) were done based on AOAC (2000) standard methods. The results shows the highest moisture content in Puntius sophore (8.39%) and lowest in Mystus vittatus (6%). The highest amount of fat (13.88%) was found in Danio devario and lowest in Mastacembelus armatus (6.62%). Similarly, the highest percentage of protein (68.19%) was found in Mastacembelus armatus and lowest in Puntius sophore (43.46%). The highest percentage of ash was found in Puntius conchonius (19.5%) and lowest in Mastacembelus armatus (12.64%). Regarding the calcium content, Puntius conchonius (6282.45 mg/100 gm) was found to be highest and lowest in Xenentodon cancilla (2376.60 mg/100 gm). Channa striatus shows highest phosphorus content (4510.80 mg/100 g) and lowest was observed in Puntius sophore (917.02 mg/100 gm). Iron content was found highest in Xenentodon cancilla (14.53 mg/100 gm) and lowest in Danio devario (1.65 mg/100 gm). From the nutritional point of view, it shows that the small indigenous fish species are good sources of protein and minerals especially calcium and phosphorus.