A Study on the Variability of Calorific Values and Their Relationship to the Maturity Stages of Demersal Fish Species

This study attempts to look into the energetic status of demersal fish species with their maturity stages and evaluate their energetic condition. Demersal fish species from wild were captured, total length and weight of each fish were measured and gonads were observed, weighted and collected with fish flesh. Gonadosomatic index, water content of gonad and flesh and gonadal and somatic caloric values were measured. Gonadosomatic index varies between 0.16 (Plectohinchus pictus) and 7.53 (Sphyraena jello). The percent water content of gonad ranging between 3.61 (Trichiurus lepturus) and 99.06 (Sphyraena jello) and percent somatic water content varies between 31.46 (Epinephelus sexfasciatus) and 85.95 (Arius maculates). The gonadal energy content varies between 2136 cal/g (Priacanthus tayenus) and 6173 cal/g (Trixiphichthys weberi). Similarly, somatic energy content was also variable, ranging from 2429 cal/g (H. pictus) to 5581 cal/g (Epinephelus sexfasciatus). Mature fish contains more energy in their gonad and less energy in their muscle.