Nutritional Potential of the Invasive Armored Catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis: Seasonal Variation in Proximate Composition from the Ujani Reservoir, Maharashtra, India

Background: The invasive armored catfish, Pterygoplichthys pardalis, has become widely established in the Ujani Reservoir, Maharashtra, India. Despite its increasing abundance and ecological significance, information regarding its nutritional composition and potential for human consumption remains limited. Objectives: To evaluate the proximate composition and seasonal variation in the nutritional profile of Pterygoplichthys pardalis collected from different locations in the Ujani Reservoir. Materials and Methods: Specimens of P. pardalis were collected from four sampling sites in the Ujani Reservoir across different seasons. Standard proximate analyses were performed to determine moisture, crude protein, lipid, ash, carbohydrate, and energy content. Seasonal variations in the nutritional composition were assessed and compared. Results: The protein content ranged from 11.50 to 15.86 g/100 g, with the highest values observed during the summer season. Lipid content remained consistently low (0.74-1.72 g/100 g), indicating that P. pardalis is a lean fish species. Carbohydrate levels were highest during the monsoon season, while moisture content exhibited an inverse relationship with protein and lipid concentrations. The estimated energy value varied from 67.45 to 87.72 kcal/100 g, reflecting seasonal fluctuations in proximate composition. Conclusion: Pterygoplichthys pardalis is a protein-rich, low-fat fish with promising nutritional and economic potential. The observed seasonal variations provide valuable baseline information for promoting its sustainable utilization as a food resource while supporting management strategies aimed at controlling this invasive species.