Determination of Total Lipid and Fatty Acid Composition of Pearl Mullet (Chalcalburnus Tarichi, Pallas 1811)

Abstract

Total lipid content and fatty acid composition of pearl mullet, which is an endemic species occurring in Lake Van, Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, and the streams feeding the Lake, were investigated. Average total lipid content of samples collected in September and November 2012 and January 2013 was 2.19g. Average Sigma SFA, Sigma MUFA and Sigma PUFA were determined as 21.88% (0.41g/100g), 44.37% (0.85g/100g) and 29.19% (0.57g/100g), respectively. Predominant SFA and MUFA were Palmitic acid (16: 0) 12.9% (0.25g/100g) and Oleic acid (18: 1n-9) 27.2% (0.53g/100g) in order. Average Sigma n-3 and DHA+EPA values were calculated as 23.88% (0.46g/100g), and 17.07% (0.33g/100g) respectively. Recommended as a good index in revealing the nutritional value of fish, n-3/n-6 ratio was calculated as 3.70g/100g in average. As a result, possessing especially high values of DHA and EPA, pearl mullet found to be a rich source of n-3.