Proximate Composition, pH and Mineral Element Analysis of Some Selected Indigenous Dried Freshwater Fish Species from Assam, India

Because of the high quality of the protein it contains, fish is an exceptional animal food source for a large portion of the global population. Fish and aquatic foods contain a potent combination of micronutrients, amino acids, vitamins, and protein, all of which contribute to a multitude of daily health benefits across the globe. The present study aimed to explore the proximate Composition, pH and Mineral Element Analysis of Some Selected Indigenous Dried Freshwater Fish Species from Assam, India. A total of seven samples of dry fish were analyzed from Assam, India. Fish samples used were of the following species: Labeo catla, Chanda nama, Rasbora daniconius, Channa punctata, Puntius sophore, Amblypharyngodon mola and Anabas testudineus. Biochemical analyses, including moisture, fat, ash, and pH, were performed according to standard method. The moisture content of dry fish samples ranged from 2.87% to 6.92 %, while protein levels ranged from 37.45% to 58.24 %. Lipids were found to be between 13.27% and 18.75 %, while ash varied from 13.18% to 32.21%. Using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), it was determined that the dry fish contained elements: Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe & P. The pH of all samples ranged between 6.16 and 8.29, and all experiments were done in triplicate. The variation in mineral composition may be influenced by environmental conditions, feeding habits, physiological characteristics, and drying techniques. Overall, the findings confirm that dried freshwater fish represents a nutrient-dense and affordable food resource, capable of contributing significantly to dietary protein and mineral intake, particularly in developing countries where fish forms an integral part of traditional diets.