Fungal Infestation and Nutrient Quality of Traditionally Smoke-Dried Freshwater Fish

Year 2008, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, - , 01.02.2008

Oyebamiji O. Fafioye*(1) T.r. Fagbohun(2) O.o. Olubanjo(3)

Abstract

Fungal infestation and nutrient quality of smoke-dried Clarias gariepinus, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Sarotherodon galilaeus, Heterotis niloticus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Synodontis schall, Synodontis clarias and Clarias anguillaris were studied. The fish samples were incubated on potato dextrose agar for seven days for fungal infestation. The fungi isolated and identified were Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp. and Penicillium spp. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in moisture contents of S. galilaeus and C. nigrodigitatus. Ash contents were significantly higher in H. niloticus, S. clarias and S. schall than in the other five species. There were significant differences in organic matter of H. niloticus and C. anguillaris; in crude carbohydrate of C. anguillaris and S. schall; and in crude protein of C. anguillaris, C. gariepinus, C. nigrodigitatus and H. bidorsalis. The caloric values and protein contents were high in all fish samples. Each fish species contained seventeen amino acids. These fish species are very rich in protein and dietary minerals such as calcium, sodium, zinc, potassium, phosphorous and iron and so are highly recommended for human consumption.

Keywords

Fungi, nutrient, smoke-dried, fish, freshwater