Composición proximal y contenido lipídico del tejido muscular por TLC-FID de siete especies de peces de agua dulce recolectadas en la Laguna Campoma, Venezuela

Introduction: Lipids in fish play a fundamental role in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis, maintaining cellular integrity. Objective: To assess the nutritional quality of seven fish species from Lake Campoma through analysis of their proximate composition and lipid profile. Methods: A total of 10 kg of each species Cichlasoma kraussii, Pimelodus clarias, Hoplias malabaricus, Aequidens pulcher, Hypostomus plecostomus, Hoplosternum littorale, and Centropomus mexicanus were collected through direct fishing in Lake Campoma. Samples were refrigerated and transported to the laboratory, where muscle tissue was dissected for subsequent analysis. Lipid fractions were determined using thin-layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to explore the relationships among the evaluated parameters. Results: Centropomus mexicanus exhibited the highest lipid (2.33% w/w) and protein content (24.07%). In all analyzed species, phospholipids were the predominant lipid class (34–85%), followed by free fatty acids (7%), triacylglycerols (4%), and cholesterol (<34%). Water was the major component in the proximate analysis, ranging from 76.5% in C. kraussii to 82.5% in P. clarias, which may increase susceptibility to microbial spoilage if not stored properly. No clear association was observed between species and ash content. Conclusions: The evaluated species demonstrated high nutritional and energy value, supporting their inclusion in human diets. Phospholipids were predominant (up to 85%), followed by free fatty acids (7%) and triacylglycerols (>4%), with cholesterol levels below 37%. C. mexicanus stood out due to its high protein and energy content, while H. littorale and H. malabaricus were identified as the most nutritionally rich. These findings underscore the importance of these freshwater species as valuable sources of macronutrients and essential bioactive compounds.