Proximate and Macro Element Composition of Four Fish Species from Lower River Benue Makurdi Benue State Nigeria

A study was conducted on four fresh water fish species: Protopterus 

annectens, Labeo coubie, Auchenoglanis occidentalis and Mormyrus 

rume from lower river Benue, Makurdi to determine the proximate 

and macro elements composition of these fish species from lower river 

Benue Makurdi. A total of 600 fish samples were collected, 50 samples 

from each species for the period of three months. Fish samples were 

collected and transported to the University of Agriculture Makurdi, 

Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture laboratory for analysis. 

Proximate analysis showed significant differences (P< 0.05) among 

the fish samples. Crude protein in fish samples was in the range 

(61.65-58.52%) while fat was (8.14-8.34%). Ash content was in the 

range (6.17-4.15%). For Macro elements studied, Mercury was not 

discovered in Protopterus annectens and Auchenoglanis occidentalis. 

Lead value ranged from 0.09% to 0.03%. Results for other macro 

element under study were all within permissible limit given by the 

World health organization. 

Keywords: Proximate composition, Macro Elements, Protopterus 

annectens, Labeo coubie, Auchenoglanis occidentalis and Mormyrus rume