Proximate composition and consumer acceptability of three underutilised fish species and tuna frames

Abstract

Tuna frames obtained as factory remnants as well as three underutilized fish species, Flying Gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans), Woevi, or one-man-thousand, (Sierathrissa leonensis), and Anchovies (Anchoa guineensis); were mechanically dried, and milled. Proximate values of the fish samples were determined. The fish powders were then used to prepare four local dishes which were given to school children to test their acceptability. Proximate values showed the protein content of all fish species to be high. The results showed the potential of these underutilized fish species for food supplementation in children. In the acceptability tests, the pupils rated the foods high on the Hedonic scale. All the foods were accepted by the children, in particular banku with Anchovies and okro stew, rice with Tuna Frames stew and rice with Flying Gurnard stew