Biochemical composition of the alligator pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch, 1785)

Abstract

Considering the economic importance in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and lack of baseline information, we evaluated the proximate composition, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, trace element content and C:N ratio in the alligator pipefish, Syngnathoides biaculeatus. Amongst proximate principals, a crude protein formed the major biochemical component ((58.9 plus or minus 2.2) percent dry weight). Mean percent concentrations (dry weight) of other components such as a total lipid (TL), ash and nitrogen-free extract measured were, (1.8 plus or minus 0.2) percent, (19.2 plus or minus 2.2) percent and (20.1 plus or minus 0.45) percent, respectively. The fatty acid profile revealed the presence of 27 saturated fatty acids (SFA) with 13 straight-chained and 14 branched-chained, 28 unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) with 14 monounsaturated and 14 polyunsaturated and nine other minor fatty acids. Mean percent contributions of total SFAs and UFAs to TL were found to be (55.41 plus or minus 0.24) percent and (44.05 plus or minus 0.25) percent, respectively. Altogether, 16 different amino acids with an equal number of essential (EAA) and non-essential (NAA) ones were identified. Percent contributions by EAA and NAA to the total amino acid content were 38.11 percent and 61.89 percent, respectively. Trace metal concentrations in S. biaculeatus were generally low and their distribution followed the order, Mg greater than Fe greater than Zn greater than Mn greater than Cu greater than Cr greater than Ni greater than Hg greater than Co. The C:N ratio was (4.37 plus or minus 0.04) percent. The profile of major biochemical constituents in alligator pipefish, S. biaculeatus revealed its potential use in TCM as well as a nutritional diet for human consumption. The results of the study would also form the basis for formulation and optimization of diets for the culture of S. biaculeatus.