Lipid classes and fatty acids composition of the roe of wild Silurus glanis from subalpine freshwater

•The lipid content of the roe of wild Silurus glanis specimens was investigated.•Phospholipids, triacylglycerols and cholesteryl ester were detected.•A good content of ω3-polyunsaturated acids was highlighted.•Silurus glanis roe may be an interesting ω3 supplement source.

The fat content and the fatty acid composition of the roe of European catfish (Silurus glanis) wild specimens captured in the Lambro river basin (Como, Northern Italy) were investigated in order to assess their nutritional value. Total extracted lipid values on roe weight were 5.8-6.3%. Phospholipids (40.2-43.6%) and triacylglycerols (31.8-34.7%) were the most represented lipid classes. Relevant amount of cholesteryl esters (14.3-15.6%) were also detected. The main fatty acids were palmitic, oleic and cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Total saturated fatty acids were 28.1-30.9%, monounsaturated fatty acids were 28.2-30.6%, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were 26.7-29.1%. The good found content of phospholipids and ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acids encourage further investigation for the exploitation of Silurus glanis roe in food products and/or supplements.