Abstract:Common malformations were observed in artificially cultured Epinephelus akaara. The malformations could be divided into two categories: the spinal deformity and gill jaw deformity. To compare the nutritional values of the two types of deformed fish and normal ones, conventional nutrient determination methods were applied to analyze the body indices and muscle nutrient component and quality. The results were shown as follows:(1) The total length and muscle rate of spinal deformed fish were (21.97±1.50) cm and (71.12±1.45)% respectively. Those of gill and jaw deformed fish were (22.43±0.12) cm and (71.28±0.39)%. The values of both were significantly different from those of normal fish (25.70±0.75) cm and (78.58±0.20)%. (2) The difference in muscle crude protein and crude ash between the three types was small and insignificant, whereas the crude fat content of spinal deformed (3.55±0.06)%, there was a significant difference between the normal fish (2.71±0.07)% and gill jaw deformed (2.48±0.01)%. (3) The amino acid content and essential amino acid index of spinal deformed [(17.55±0.65%) and 83.04] and gill jaw deformed[ (15.89±0.11)% and 73.82] were lower than those of normal fish [(19.86±0.52)% and 89.25]. (4) In terms of meat quality, cohesion, elasticity, adhesiveness, and chewiness were compared between the three groups, and the order was normal fish > spinal deformed fish > fish gill and jaw deformed fish. Comprehensive analysis suggested that nutritional values of the two types of deformed fish were lower than that of normal fish, and it was the lowest in the gill and jaw deformed. In addition, we also tested the levels of elements such as Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, and P in spines and gill and jaw bones of the three types of fish. We found that there was no significant difference in these elements in the spine, except for Fe and Mn. This indicated that the change in Fe and Mn content might be the cause of spinal deformity in cultured E. akaara.
