Fatty acid profile of Tra Catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) compared to Atlantic Salmon (Salmo solar) and Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer)

The fatty acid composition of farmed Tra catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) was determined and compared to farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo solar) and to wild-caught Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). Saturated fatty acids (SFA) were most abundant in catfish (42.6%) while salmon (37.2%) and seabass (39.0%) were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Tra catfish contains Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but its percentage was lower (4.7%) than salmon (20.2%) and seabass (18.7%). It is interesting that the absolute content of DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in Tra catfish by fillet wet weight did not differ from Asian seabass. Among the three fish, Tra catfish and seabass had lowest fat content. Regarding to nutritional aspect, Tra catfish fillet is a potential source of omega-3 fatty acids and low-fat food.