Proximate and minerals compositions of three species of fish, Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus and hybrid catfish sold in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Background: Fish is known to be one of the cheapest sources of animal protein and have essential nutrients needed in human diets. The present study investigated the proximate and nutrient composition of three species of fish, Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus, and hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Methods: the sample collection, proximate and mineral analysis were conducted using the standard protocol of sample collection and chemical analysis. Results: The results revealed that Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus, and Clarias gariepinus contain moisture (66.00±0.50%, 52.00±1.00%, and 70.00±0.20%), crude protein (9.20±0.1323%, 3.75±0.02%and 5.80±0.05%), crude lipid (10.16±0.91%, 2.37±0.01% and 12.00±0.30%), ash (11.92 ±0.02%, 39.40±0.03% and 11.97±0.06%), and crude fiber (2.03±0.01%, 2.36±0.02% and 0.19±0.01%) respectively. The mineral contents were: iron (4.50±0.01mg/kg, 3.70±0.01 mg/kg and 4.70±0.02mg/kg), Zinc (2.35±0.01mg/kg, 2.15±0.0100mg/kg and (1.89±0.01mg/kg) for Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus, and Clarias gariepinus respectively, while copper was only detected in C. gunnari (0.25±0.01mg/kg). The same amount of chromium (0.01±0.00 mg/kg) was detected in all the samples. Manganese was undetected in all the samples. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the nutritional value of Champsocephalus gunnari, Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus. This information would help in choosing any of the fish bases on their nutritional values rather than taste and other physical features.