Proximate composition of male and female African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and tilapia (Tilapia zilli) in Jega river, Kebbi state, Nigeria

Abstract

Fish is highly nutritious, tasty, and easily digestible. It is much sought after by a broad cross-section of the world’s population, particularly in developing countries as it provides the cheapest protein source. Nigeria is blessed with numerous inland freshwater rivers and lakes scattered all over the country. This freshwater habitat consists of many species of fish that have successfully dominated all niches over time and have for many reasons remained unstudied. The situation concealed a lot of scientific information particularly on food security and safety to the inmates and the country at large. Jega River which transcended many States in the North-Western part of Nigeria to open into the river Niger is one of such rivers largely uncared for, study-wise. African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Tilapia (Tilapia zillii) have been wisely selected for the present proximate composition studies. The juveniles of these fishes were purchased from local fishermen in Mariner Waje landing site of the river which flows by Jega town, a local government area in Kebbi State, Nigeria. For the study, the methodology approved by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) was used to determine the proximate composition of the fishes. The highest percentage crude protein content of 49.18 ± 0.30% was observed in juvenile female C. gariepinus; while the lowest protein content of 39.22± 0.50% was observed in juvenile male T. zilli. The highest percentage lipid content of 11.75± 1.50% was observed in juvenile female tilapia; while the lowest percentage lipid content of 6.25± 0.29% was observed in male African catfish. The highest percentage fibre content of 4.00 ± 0.29% was observed in male and female C. gariepinus, while the lowest percentage fibre content of 0.75± 0.29% was observed in male tilapia. There were variations (p< 0.05) when the protein and lipid contents of both the species were compared with each other. There was also a significant difference (p< 0.05) when the carbohydrate contents were compared between the fish species, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) when the fibre content was compared within the species. The analyses showed that both the male and female fish species studied had high protein contents.