Proximate and mineral composition of indigenous hill stream fishes of Uttarakhand

The fishes Labeo dero, Labeo dyocheilus, Labeo pangusia, Tor putitora and Schizothorax rechardsonii, predominantly found in Kosi river, contribute major proportion of the total catch from the area. Average moisture, ash, crude protein and crude fat ranged from 81.54–70.65, 8.86–6.23, 73.01–52.43 and 32.53 12.66%, respectively. Crude protein was highest (73.01%) in L. pangusia and lowest (52.43%) in T. putitora. Fairly higher level of fat (32.53%) makes the L. dero a moderately fatty fish. Average calcium, potassium and sodium content in fishes ranged from 263–406, 784–1246 and 100–241 mg/100g, respectively. Sodium was highest (241 mg/100g) in T. putitora and S. rechardsonii while potassium and calcium were highest in S. rechardsonii and values were 1246 and 406 mg/100g, respectively. Iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium content ranged from 0.263 to 1.016, 0.769 to 1.497, 0.076 to 0.221 and 0.265 to 1.311 mg/100g, respectively. The proximate and minerals compositions varied significantly (P<0.05) among species. Hence, all the fishes particularly S. richardsonii, L. dero and L. pangusia can be considered as relatively rich sources of protein, fat and minerals for consumers.