Abstract

The fatty acid and mineral compositions in the dorsal and ventral muscles and liver of wild and farmed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were evaluated. The farmed animals showed a significant higher fat content (p < 0.05) than the wild ones, for all studied samples. The percentages of SFA and PUFA as well as the n-6/n-3 were higher (p < 0.05) in the muscle in wild compared with farmed sea bass. However, in liver, SFA and MUFA were concentrated in wild fish. Among n-3 PUFA both fish were good sources of EPA and DHA. The results revealed also that levels of trace elements varied depending on different tissues in both fish (p < 0.05). Potassium, calcium and magnesium were concentrated in muscles compared with liver, in both fish, whereas iron, zinc, copper and manganese concentrations were higher in liver than in muscle tissue (p < 0.05).

Key words: Family Moronidae, Dicentrarchus labrax, essential minerals, fatty acids, EPA, DHA.