Comparative evaluation of body composition of hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) in different size groups with special reference to fatty acid, in Hooghly estuarine system, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton) is one of the important commercial fish species in Hooghly estuarine system of West Bengal. Four different size groups of hilsa were collected from two stations in Hooghly estuarine system and analysed for proximate body composition during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Values were compared in pre-monsoon and monsoon periods in the upstream and downstream fishes. Protein content varied from 11.0 to 59.9%, lipid content from 1.32% to 20.85% and carbohydrate content varied from 1.54 to 7.18% in different weight groups of fishes. Saturated fatty acid content ranged from 49.9% to 55.8% and unsaturated fatty acid content ranged between 43.75 and 49.45% during the pre-monsoon period in different weight groups of upstream fishes. ω3 / ω6 ratio varied from 2.5 to 7.0 in different weight groups and ω6 / ω3 varied from 0.14 to 0.40. Unsaturated fatty acid / saturated fatty acid (UFA / SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid / saturated fatty acid (PUFA / SFA) were also analysed.