Comparative analysis of protein and lipid contents of two ‘prawn/shrimp’ species in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Penaeus monodon are two commercially important prawn species in Sri Lanka. Macrobrachium rosenbergii is mainly a fresh water prawn while P. monodon is a marine form. In this study, protein and fat contents in muscle tissues of M. rosenbergii and P. monodon were determined. The results indicated that the percentage protein content of M. rosenbergii (86.15%) was found to be significantly higher compared to P. monodon (79.87%). In contrast, significantly lower fat content was recorded in the muscles of M. rosenbergii (0.05%) than that of P. monodon (2.05%). Based on the findings, M. rosenbergii can be considered as an important source of animal protein containing low total fat levels which suits for a healthy life. As such, efforts should be made to boost M. rosenbergii culture based fishery to provide sufficient amounts for local communities.