Antarctic fishes: the chemical composition of muscle, liver and food of two Notothenioids

Abstract

A combination of low fat (6.1 and 4.8% of dry matter), high protein (78.6 and 84.3% d.m.) and mineral content (6.3 and 6.2% d.m.), as well as high moisture (80.8 and 81.7% of fresh matter), which is typical of Antarctic benthic fish, was found in the muscle of Notothenia coriiceps and Lepidonotothen nudifrons, respectively. Fish food items (whole amphipods) were high in minerals (34.3% d.m.) and poor in protein (39.1% d.m.), while macroalgae presented an association of high moisture (89% of wet matter), high minerals (36.5% d.m.), low lipids (1.8% d.m.) and very low protein (17.5% d.m.). The poor nutritional value of these food items seems to be compensated for by high food intake. Sulfur levels in fish tissues were negatively related to fish size. Sulfur and nitrogen were inter-correlated strongly and positively, and most of the sulfate is probably derived in muscle and liver from sulfur-containing amino acids.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Prof. dr hab. Ewa Kamler, Instytut Rybactwa Śródlądowego Żabieniec, 05-500 Piaseczno, Poland; Tel. +48 22 7562044;
e-mail: kkamler@cyber.cs.net.pl