Comparative chemical composition of different muscle zones in angler (Lophius piscatorius)

The present study focuses on the lipid composition of angler (Lophius piscatorius) muscle. Distribution of lipid classes and groups and fatty acid composition of neutral and polar lipid fractions corresponding to two edible sites (head and tail) were investigated. Proximate composition and essential and toxic mineral contents were also analysed. Moisture, total lipid and protein contents ranged from 828 to 845, 3.0 to 3.7 and 135 to 170 g kg−1 muscle, respectively. Phospholipids were found to be the most abundant lipid group (690–720 g kg−1 total lipids) and triacylglycerol presence was very low (3.2–7.7 g kg−1 total lipids). The most abundant fatty acid group comprised polyunsaturated fats. In both neutral and polar lipid fractions, 22:6 n-3 was found to be the major fatty acid. Nutritionally valuable high concentrations of Zn and Mn were observed, and As was the most abundant toxic element. Higher protein and trimethylamine oxide values were observed in the tail site, but lower in moisture, sterol and triacylglycerol contents; however, an inhomogeneous muscle distribution could not be demonstrated with regard to total lipids, phospholipids, free fatty acids or α-tocopherol contents. Mean concentrations of essential and toxic elements were higher in the head site in most cases, especially for Zn, Cd, Cr and V.

► Angler muscle showed low total lipid and protein contents.
► Phospholipids were the most abundant lipid group.
► Polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction represented the major fatty acid group.
► As was found to be the most abundant toxic element.
► Essential elements were more abundant in head than in tail.