Investigation of Nutritional Status of the Butter Catfish <i>Ompok bimaculatus</i>: An Important Freshwater Fish Species in the Diet of Common Bangladeshi People

Abstract

Due to the availability throughout the all seasons and tastiness, butter catfish <i>Ompok bimaculatus</i> gained immense commercial importance as well as greater consumer preference in South-East Asian countries. It significantly contributes to the local fisheries production. In order to explore information on nutritional status of this commercially important fish species, the present study was carried out as such information is not available. Our study showed that this fish species is highly rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The percentage of total polyunsaturated fatty acids was found to be 40.92 followed by 26.54% of total monounsaturated fatty acids, indicating excellent nutritive value of this fish species. Amino acid analysis showed that the fish flesh contains essential amino acids like leucine, lysine, threonine, phenylalanine, valine and isoleucine in a significant amount. The ratio of essential to non-essential amino acid is 0.89 indicating its superior protein quality. The mineral profiling also showed that this species is rich in K, Ca, Na, Mg and Fe with other minerals. The present study showed that <i>Ompok bimaculatus</i> is a good source of lean meat and trace elements, especially Zn and Mn. Furthermore, exploration of vitamin contents showed that fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and K are present in a considerable amount which is beneficial to health.