Proximate and Major Mineral Composition of Five Commercial Marine Fishes from the Alipur Landing Center, Kuakata, Bangladesh

Fish is contributing a prominent role in the diet of Bangladeshis as an animal protein source. However, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding the nutrient composition of marine fish species. Therefore, five locally available and commercially important marine fish species, including Acanthopagrus datnia (Yellowfin seabream), Polynemus paradiseus (Paradise threadfin), Sillaginopsis panijus (Flathead sillago), Dendrophysa russelii (Goatee Croaker), and Lepturacanthus savala (Savalai hairtail), were collected from the Alipur fish landing center in Kuakata, Bangladesh. A total of 224 fish samples comprising 27 pooled samples (each containing 24-72 individuals) in triplicate of the five fish species were collected, and their proximate compositions (moisture, crude protein, lipid, and ash) and four major minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc) were analyzed. The proximate composition of the studied fish samples showed varying levels of protein (20.57-16.21 g/100g), moisture (77.27-71.48 g/100g), ash (2.03-1.58 g/100g), and lipid (4.61-2.33 g/100g). Among the species examined, A. datnia had a significantly higher protein content (P < 0.05) than the others, except for L. savala, which did not show a significant difference (P > 0.05). The lipid and ash contents were similar across the species, with no significant differences (P > 0.05). In terms of mineral content, A. datnia also provided higher levels of zinc, calcium, iron, and phosphorus compared to the other species, aligning with the recommended nutrient intake for children (6-23 months) and pregnant or lactating women. Overall, this study underscores the potential of these five fish species to enhance the nutritional well-being of vulnerable coastal communities in Bangladesh by supplying essential nutrients.