Evaluation de la qualite nutritionnelle du rouget de vase Mullus barbatus dans le golfe Tunis (Mer Mediterranee, Nord de la Tunisie)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of oligo-elements (Mg, Ca, Na, K, Fe and Mn) and the fatty acids in four tissues (muscle, liver, brain and gonads) of a benthic teleost species, the Red Mullet (Mulus barbatus). This benthic fish is one of the most important landed species in gulf of Tunis (Mediterranean Sea, Northern Tunisia). Mullus barbatus is considered as a common species in this area throughout all seasons. In this Bull. Inst. Natn. Scien. Tech. Mer de Salammbô, Vol. 41, 2014 52 study, the organotropism, the seasonal effect of oligo-elements and fatty acids accumulation was determined. The concentrations of Mg, Ca, Na, K, Fe and Mn were performed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Fatty acids were analysed by Gas Chromatography. The results showed a seasonal variation in all elements in the gonads with a peak in spring. Additionally, these organs represents the preferential site for accumulation of Mg and K; the brain for the Ca and Na and liver for Fe and Mn. The results concerning fatty acids demonstrate that the levels of monounsaturated and saturated acids increase when the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease in all tissues of Red Mullet. Lipid levels of displayed pronounced seasonal fluctuations, with the highest value in March and the lowest value in May. In addition, the highest level of fatty acid n-3 was observed in flesh during spring season.