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Biochemical composition of the alligator pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch, 1785)

  • Aquaculture and Fisheries
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Abstract

Considering the economic importance in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and lack of baseline information, we evaluated the proximate composition, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, trace element content and C:N ratio in the alligator pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus. Amongst proximate principals, a crude protein formed the major biochemical component ((58.9±2.2)% dry weight). Mean percent concentrations (dry weight) of other components such as a total lipid (TL), ash and nitrogen-free extract measured were, (1.8±0.2)%, (19.2±2.2)% and (20.1±0.45)%, respectively. The fatty acid profile revealed the presence of 27 saturated fatty acids (SFA) with 13 straight-chained and 14 branched-chained, 28 unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) with 14 monounsaturated and 14 polyunsaturated and nine other minor fatty acids. Mean percent contributions of total SFAs and UFAs to TL were found to be (55.41±0.24)% and (44.05±0.25)%, respectively. Altogether, 16 different amino acids with an equal number of essential (EAA) and non-essential (NAA) ones were identified. Percent contributions by EAA and NAA to the total amino acid content were 38.11% and 61.89%, respectively. Trace metal concentrations in S. biaculeatus were generally low and their distribution followed the order, Mg>Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Cr>Ni>Hg>Co. The C:N ratio was (4.37±0.04)%. The profile of major biochemical constituents in alligator pipefish, S. biaculeatus revealed its potential use in TCM as well as a nutritional diet for human consumption. The results of the study would also form the basis for formulation and optimization of diets for the culture of S. biaculeatus.

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Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to the Director, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa (India) for encouragement and facilities. Permission granted by Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu (India) for the collection of alligator pipefi shes from Mullimunnai village, Palk Bay is gratefully acknowledged. This represents contribution No. 5939 of the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa (India).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aquaculture Laboratory, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, 403004, India

    Sushant Vilas Sanaye, Ashwini Pandurang Pawar, Rayadurga Anantha Sreepada & Zakir Ali Ansari

  2. Department of Marine Sciences, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa, 403206, India

    Chandrasheker Umanath Rivonker

  3. CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Mumbai, India

    Anirudh Ram

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  1. Sushant Vilas Sanaye
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Correspondence to Rayadurga Anantha Sreepada.

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Sanaye, S.V., Pawar, A.P., Rivonker, C.U. et al. Biochemical composition of the alligator pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch, 1785). Chin. J. Ocean. Limnol. 35, 1501–1510 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00343-017-6070-0

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