Fatty Acid Profile and Mineral Composition of Red-Toothed Triggerfish ( Odonus niger ) Landed in Karnataka, Southeastern Arabian Sea

The seasonal and sex-wise variations in fatty acid and mineral composition in the tissue of Odonus niger collected from the Karnataka coast, southeastern Arabian Sea, were evaluated for the first time. The fatty acid profile was assessed using gas chromatography, nutritional indices were employed to evaluate lipid quality, and standard methods were utilized to estimate mineral composition and heavy metals. Palmitic acid (20.2–45.9%), oleic acid (10.0–19.2%), and docosahexaenoic acid (10.9–36.7%) were found in the highest proportions. The amount of ω3 fatty acids was significantly higher than ω6 fatty acids indicating the healthiest food fish and a promising source for nutrient supplementation. The P/S (PUFA/SFA) and ω3/ω6 ratios of the species were greater than those recommended by the UK Dept. of Health. Index of atherogenicity (IA) and thrombogenicity (IT) was low, and hypocholesterolemic to the hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH), unsaturation index (UI), health-promoting index (HPI), fish lipid quality (FLQ), and polyene index (PI) were high. The relationship between the quantities of macronutrients and trace elements was calculated as K > P > Na > Mg > Ca and B > Fe > Zn > Ga > Al respectively. Heavy metals like Be, Bi, Co, and Hg were found below the detection level. Benefit-risk ratio value indicates that the species is safe for consumption.