Nutrient profile and heavy metals content of an exotic fish Hypostomus plecostomus in Bangladesh: Health risk assessment

The Suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) is a freshwater species found in Bangladesh that is included in the group of invasive species according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The detrimental effects of Suckermouth catfish and possible ways to eradicate them are yet unknown, thus finding substitute foods for fisheries goods is necessary. Before Suckermouth catfish is utilized as a raw material for fish meals, a rigorous analysis of its nutritional value and heavy metal content is required. The results of the analysis of the moisture content, protein content, lipid content, ash content, and carbohydrate content of the muscles showed that the average content percentages were 64.55%, 20.65%, 1.21%, 1.92%, and 11.87%. Additionally, the average concentrations of heavy metals Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cr in the muscle tissue of Suckermouth catfish were found to be 0.56, 61.76, 0.14, 1.78, and 0.45. Cu, Pb, and Cr levels are below the maximum level of tolerance, in accordance with this study. Conversely, it turned out that the levels of Zn and Cd above the maximum acceptable limits. Of particular, the levels of Cd were found to be around 30-35 times higher compared to the maximum acceptable values, posing a health risk to humans. It is not recommended to utilize this fish as fish meal because its heavy metal concentration exceeds the maximum limit. This heavy metal can build in the body and be harmful if fish meal is made from this species.