Seasonal variations in proximate and fatty acid compositions of two commercially important fish, hake (Merluccius merluccius) and lizardfish (Saurida undosquamis), from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea

Hake (Merluccius merluccius) and lizardfish (Saurida undosquamis) were caught seasonally at the northeastern Mediterranean Sea to determine their proximate compositions and fatty acid contents. Statistical (P < 0.05) differences among seasons were observed in the values of moisture, protein, lipid and ash. Saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were the most abundant fatty acids in both species, with palmitic acid (C16:0), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3). This research demonstrated that these species were characterized by low lipid content and were also a good source of unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, hake and lizardfish, in terms of nutritional quality, could be recommended for human consumption. © 2008, Wiley Periodicals, Inc