Fatty Acid Analysis of Oil Extract from African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Trunkfish (Mormyrus rume)

This study investigates the fatty acid composition of the two commonly consumed freshwater fishes: African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Trunkfish (Mormyrus rume) from the Komadugu River at Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria. Table-sized fish samples of each of the two species were bought from different landing sites and transported in cool boxes to the Federal University Gashua for laboratory analysis. Oil extraction and fatty acids analysis were carried out using standard methods for gas chromatography. The fatty acid profiles include saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The results elucidated that M. rume had the highest oil yield of 84.73 % per 100g, which is slightly higher than the fillets of C. gariepinus (35.65 % per 100g). SFAs varied from 1.21 – 22.06%, MUFA (C18:1) was detected only in M. rume with a concentration of 0.30% and PUFA varied from 61.17% in M. rume to 68.57% in C. gariepinus. The major SFAs were palmitic (C16:0) and myristic (C14:0) acids. The two species have high-quality essential fatty acids that are of benefit in human nutrition and health. M. rume had a Monounsaturated fatty acid and the highest oil yield than C. gariepinus, while the ratio of PUFA/SFA was 1.37 for M. rume and 2.29 for C. gariepinus, which are higher than the value 0.45 recommended by the Department of Health and Social Security, United Kingdom. This is an indication that the oils from both species of fish have the potential to not raise the cholesterol level when consumed.