Annual cycle of metabolites in relation to breeding and feeding in Ambassis commersoni in Goa waters

Abstract

Seasonal variations in moisture, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and ash content in both the sexes of Ambassis commersoni were studied separately over an annual cycle (1989-1990). The results indicate that percentage of moisture content was comparatively low in February and September when mature fishes were dominant while the fat content was low in March and October when most of the spent fishes occurred in catches. The fat content was highest in mature and maturing fishes. As regards proteins, minimum value in spent fishes and maximum in immature fishes was recorded. Percentage of carbohydrate was low, throughout. Ash component was rather high as compared to other fishes.