NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF THE PINK SHRIMP (Penaeus notialis) AND TIGER SHRIMP (Penaeus monodon) FROM LAGOS LAGOON, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

 Shrimps are an excellent source of protein, yet are very low in fat and calories, making them a very healthy choice of food. This study attempts to compare the proximate compositions and mineral contents of Penaeus monodon and Penaeus notialis using standard analytical methods. Results of proximate composition revealed that, percentage mean values for crude protein, carbohydrate, fat, crude fibre, ash and moisture levels in Penaeus monodon were 9.21+ 0.03, 13.15 + 0.18, 4.67 + 0.05, 1.21 + 0.12, 3.53 + 0.06 and 68.24 + 0.11 respectively while the levels of carbohydrate, crude protein, fat, crude fibre, ash and moisture values for Penaeus notialis were 9.77 + 0.04, 6.09 + 0.05, 2.68 + 0.06, 2.88 + 0.06, 4.89 + 0.03 and 73.71 + 0.18 respectively. Both shrimp species were high in all the micro and macro minerals analyzed. However, calcium, zinc and phosphorous values were significantly higher (P < 0.05) between both species. Itwas concluded that although both shrimps are of different species and the nutrient levels in P. monodon were higher in some cases, nutritional differences between these two species in most cases are however not statistically different (P> 0.05).