SEASONAL VARIATION IN MACRO-MICRONUTRIENT COMPOSITIONS OF THE FLESH AND SHELL OF THE PORTUNID CRAB Callinectes amnicola (De Rochebrune, 1883) FROM THE COASTAL WATERS OF SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

Portunids are decapod crustaceans of high economic importance. Seasonal variation in macronutrient and micronutrients contents of Callinectes amnicola from three interconnecting lagoons were investigated using standard methods. The percentages of protein and moisture contents in the flesh were higher than that of the shell, while higher ash and nitrogen free extract were obtained in the shell. Crude fibres was not detected in flesh of C. amnicola but detected in shells with values ranging from 0.30 ±0.72 % (C. amnicola from Lagos Lagoon) to 0.55 ±2.15 % (C. amnicola from Badagry Lagoon). There were statistical differences (P ˂ 0.05) in crude fibre and carbohydrate levels of the crab shell during wet and dry seasons while significant difference exist in protein level only in wet season. Protein showed negative correlations with all the minerals in crabs from Badagry and Epe Lagoons but positive correlation with all examined minerals in Lagos Lagoon crabs. The study demonstrated that Callinectes amnicola is rich in macro-micronutrients and characterized by low lipid content (< 3%). The nutrient biochemical constituents in the crab species vary with season

Keywords

• crab
• correlation
• lagoon
• mineral
• proximate