Monthly Variation in the Body and Nutritional Composition of Hyperopisus bebe (Lacede, 1803) in Shiroro Dam, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mineral contents, monthly variation in body and nutritional composition was carried out in the freshwater fish Mormyrid species Hyperopisus bebe.  Essential mineral elements such as available exchangeable Cations (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium) and micronutrients (Copper, Zinc and Iron) were determined.  Results showed that sample are good sources of all the minerals and would provide recommended dietary allowance except in calcium element.  There was no significant (P<0.05) difference in the monthly mineral content of Zinc (11.26-17.78mgkg), Iron (50.45-106-76mg/kg) Copper (1.48-2.92mg/kg), Manganese (2.16-3.17mg/kg) Calcium (0.32-0.52 Cmol/kg) while, Potassium was (21.02-33.65) and Sodium (17.53-28.01).  The monthly variation of the body parts of Hyperopisus bebe from April to August showed moisture content range of (57.20-66.14%), crude protein showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in the various body parts i.e. Head region, Fillet, skin, bone and egg (12.28-26.28%), lipid showed significant difference in the various parts (4.24-12.15%) and also Ash content (3.06-11.40%) The moisture content was highest in the skin 66.14% and lowest in bone 57.20%, crude protein was highest in the egg (26.28%) and lowest in bone (12.28%) while, lipid was highest in the fillet 12.15% and lowest in the bone 4.24%, ash was highest in the head and fin region (11.40%) and lowest in the filet (3.32%).  The yield indices of the fish species showed a percentage decrease in the order of fillet, head skin, gut bone, egg, scale and fin in the following order 42.52> 18.03> 16.23> 9.67> 3.20> 2.99> 1.24.