Proximate analyses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) from Sri Lanka

Fish and crustacean are important sources of animal proteins and other essential nutrients required in the human diet. They are widely accepted for their high palatability, high protein content and tender flesh. Therefore, analysis of nutritional profiles such as protein content, lipids, ash content, nitrogen free extract and crude fiber is often necessary to ensure that they meet the dietary requirements and commercial specifications. In this study, proximate analyses were done for flesh of brackish water shrimp species Penaeus monodon and fresh water fish species Oreochromis niloticus. Analyses were done using methods recommended by the Association of Analytical Chemists. Percentage of protein content was high values in Penaeus monodon (9.31±0.63) compared to Oreochromis niloticus (7.85±0.79). Moisture content consisted in Penaeus monodon, Oreochromis niloticus showed values of 87.64±0.12 and 89.51±0.43 respectively. The highest lipid content was present in Penaeus monodon (0.23±0.22%) while the lowest value was shown by Oreochromis niloticus (0.07±0.16%). Comparatively, the percentage of total carbohydrate content is the highest in Brackish water shrimp than fresh water fish Nile tilapia. In conclusion, as it was expected, a high content of protein was found in Black tiger prawn, of the compared to the existing related to that of fresh water fish. The study revealed high protein content and a high fat content in the meat of Penaeus monodon. Information on the nutrient composition of Penaeus monodon is needed to encourage the processing, utilization and marketing of this commonest species of Sri Lanka. It can then be inferred that the shrimps (Penaeus monodon) could be employed as a supplement of protein and minerals, so as to balance human nutrition. Hence the consumption of shrimps (Penaeus monodon) would help as a good source of nutrients.