Determination of the Biometrical Parameters, Biochemical Composition and Essential Trace Metals of Edible Sea Urchin (stomopneustes Variolaris) in Sri Lanka

Sea urchin samples (Stomopneustes variolaris) were collected from the selected (three sampling locations) western and southern coastal area around the Sri Lanka (n = 193) from the time period of May to October, 2014. Sampled animals were measured for biometrical parameters, dissected and separated roe tissues, which were analysed for the proximate composition, fatty acid profiles (by GC), essential trace elements (by AAS), carotenoid profile and vitamin A, B1, B2, B12, C and E (By HPLC). Gonads of S. variolaris were rich in protein (11.47–18.81%), essential fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0 and C18:1 (n-9) were predominant and C12:0, C22:5 (n-6) and C22:6 (n-3) were lowest), fatty acids profiles, which revealed the higher amount of saturated fatty acids was present in the gonads of S. variolaris than the monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Carotenoids (β carotene (9.4 mg/100 g)) and vitamin (higher amount of vitamin C (20 mg/100 g) was also rich with S. variolaris gonads. The essential trace elements like Fe, Zn and Cu also in recorded in considerable level of S. variolaris gonads. Beruwala population was recorded higher average test diameter (6.70 cm) than the other two sites and Mt. Lavinia population was showed highest GSI (5.95) value.