ABSTRACT
A study on the proximate composition of fresh samples of Arius gigas from Jamieson River, Sapele, Delta State, was carried out in May, 2016 using standard methods. Fish specimens in two size classes (Young and Adult) were analysed for moisture, crude protein, crude lipid, ash, crude fibre and nitrogen free extracts (carbohydrates). The Young specimens had Moisture values ranging from 56.90% to 63.92%, Crude protein from 10.85% to 11.67%, Crude lipid from 8.20% to 8.60%, Ash content from 4.53% to 9.00%, Crude fibre from 0.50% to 2.00% and Nitrogen free extracts (carbohydrates) from 9.46% to 14.20%. While that of Adult specimens, a range of 57.79% to 64.37%, 10.76% to 15.29%, 4.25% to 8.80%, 4.79% to 8.80%, 0.50% - 1.50% and 8.95% to 14.47% were obtained for Moisture content, Crude Protein, Fat content, Ash content, Crude fibre and Nitrogen free extracts (carbohydrates) respectively. There was no significant difference between the two size classes in terms of their proximate composition. The study clearly indicates that Arius gigas is a good and cheap source of protein and fat to consumers as it had moderate protein levels and medium to high fat levels.
