Biochemical Profiling of Some Commercial Marine Fin Fish Species in Lagos (Nigeria)

Abstract The proximate mineral compositions of Scomber scombrus, Pseudotholitus typus , and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus in Lagos were analyzed using standard methods. Moisture content was 58.12%, 75.28%, and 74.68% respectively. Crude protein content was not significantly different among the species. Scomber scombrus had the highest crude fat and was the only species with detectable crude fiber (2.04%). Ash contents were similar across species. Carbohydrate content was lowest in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (3.48%) and highest in Scomber scombrus (7.42%). Pseudotholitus typus had the highest total macro elements. Mineral patterns varied, with all minerals except sodium being significantly higher in Scomber scombrus and Pseudotholitus typus compared to Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus . This indicates that nutritional quality changes are associated with variations in mineral content.