Proximate Analysis of Selected Freshwater Fish Species Consumed in Gombe State

The nutritional quality of freshwater fish species consumed in Gombe State, North East Nigeria, remains poorly documented despite their importance as affordable dietary protein sources for households in this semi-arid region. This study determines the proximate composition, including moisture content, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fibre, and nitrogen-free extract, of five freshwater fish species commonly consumed in Gombe, namely Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis niloticus, Synodontis spp., Tilapia zillii, and Gymnarchus niloticus. Fish samples were purchased from the Gombe main market from traders sourcing from River Gongola and its tributaries. Samples were cleaned, deboned, and analysed in duplicate according to AOAC standard methods. Results showed that crude protein content ranged from 44.1% to 61.6% on a dry weight basis across species, with Clarias gariepinus recording the highest value. Crude fat content was highest in Gymnarchus niloticus (18.3% dry weight), contributing to its higher energy density. Moisture content was within the range of 70 to 78% across all species, consistent with values for freshwater fish. Ash content ranged from 4.2% to 7.8%, reflecting variation in mineral content between species. The findings confirm that these freshwater fish species are excellent protein sources and highlight their potential role in addressing protein-energy malnutrition in Gombe State, where livestock-derived proteins are expensive and limited in availability for low-income households.

Keywords: proximate analysis, freshwater fish, nutritional quality, protein content, Gombe State