Abstract:

In this paper, the nutritional composition in the muscles of Thunnus tonggol and Euthynnus affinis was analyzed
by gas chromatography, liquid chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that: 1) the moisture
contents of T. tonggol and E. affinis were 71.13% and 72.27%, respectively, the crude fat contents were 0.63% and 1.47%,
respectively, the crude protein contents were 24.56% and 23.44%, respectively, the ash contents were 1.56% and 1.38%,
and the muscles of both tuna species contained abundant macro- and micro- mineral elements; 2) the muscles of the two
species were rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the contents of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were 28.53%
and 21.56%, respectively; 3) the proportion of amino acids was appropriate and the essential amino acids index (EAAI) of
T. tonggol and E. affinis were 96.23 and 96.66, respectively. This study indicates that the muscles of these two tuna species
are high in protein and low in fat and have good nutritional value.

Key words: Thunnus tonggol, Euthynnus affinis, nutrient content, analysis