A comparison of the proximate compositions and fatty acid profiles of zander (Sander lucioperca) from two different regions and climatic conditions

The proximate compositions and fatty acid profiles of the flesh of the fresh water fish zander (Sander lucioperca) obtained from Egirdir Lake and from Seyhan Dam Lake were compared. The crude protein (18.8-18.1%), ash (1.37-0.75), and dry matter (20.67-20.09) contents of fish in Seyhan Dam Lake were observed to be higher than those in the other lake. Zander in Seyhan Dam Lake had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher lipid content than its Egirdir counterpart. Differences were also observed in the fatty acid profiles. The percentages of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were higher in the zander in Seyhan Dam Lake than in Egirdir Lake, whereas the corresponding total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content was lower. Moreover, the fatty acid composition of these fish showed a relatively high ratio of PUFA/SFA (1.00). Both zanders showed palmitic acid, C16:0, to be predominant, (19.6-20.8%), followed by oleic acid, C 18:1 n - 9, (19.2-13.4%). The data obtained indicate that the % composition of n - 3 PUFAs is greater in the flesh of zander in Egirdir Lake. This finding is in compliance with the fact that n - 3 fatty acids in fish living in cold climatic conditions have a higher % composition. It was concluded that the consumption of zander, widely found in Egirdir Lake and having higher % composition of n - 3 PUFAs than those caught from Seyhan Dam Lake, is more beneficial for human health. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.