Reviewing Nutritional Quality of Small Freshwater Fish Species

Abstract

Small freshwater fish species (SIFFs) constitute one of the major sources of nutritious food for human being as they provide balanced nutrition; subsistence and supplementary income to the rural population in India. The nutritive values of them depend upon their biochemical composition, such as protein, amino acids, lipid, fatty acids, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. This review addresses motivating interest in this attractive group of SIFFs by summarizing what little we do know about them comparing with other freshwater fish species found in India as well as different parts of the world. It is observed that SIFFs with a high content of MUFA (mono unsaturated fatty acid), PUFA (poly unsaturated fatty acid) as well as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid); which makes them curative diet also. Until recently, possibilities of culturing them in combination with the IMC (Indian major carp) are unexplored. This study also exposed that the small and shallow water bodies may open-handedly be used for SIFFs culture and indicates the feasibility of attaining a good production of the same along with IMCs. Conservation strategy should be undertaken and taking SIFFs in every day diet may result in better and advanced protection against coronary heart disease (CHD) and other lifestyle related disease. Exploration of the nutritional eminence of them will encourage fish farmers to promote mixed culture of SIFFs in India in proper scientific way.