Myctophids: An alternate protein source from deep sea
Myctophids: An alternate protein source from deep sea
Date
2012
Authors
Mahato, P.K.
Baby, L.
Sankar, T.V.
Anandan, R.
Vijayan, P.K.
Ninan, G.
Zynudheen, A.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Fisheries Technologists (India)
Abstract
Dietary deficiency of protein and consequent malnutrition is a
significant problem especially in developing countries. Many of the
vegetable protein lack certain essential amino acids, unless supplemented
from other sources. Animal protein is superior in this respect but is
comparatively expensive. It is in this context, fish and other marine
products have great significance as a source of high quality protein which
is at the same time less expensive. But in present scenario major fisheries
of the world are either overexploited or getting exhausted to a point of
no return which poses a serious threat to the future of our food security
in terms of protein requirement. As efforts are already being made to revive
the world fish catch, it is time to start looking for other untapped resources
from the oceans. One such promising potential resource is Myctophids.
Myctophids are commonly known as Lantern fishes falling under the Order
Myctophiformes and belonging to the family Myctophidae which comprise
of 235 species in 32 genera (Nelson, 1994). They are found in all oceans
from the Arctic to the Antarctic and live at depths up to 1200 m. Some
species make daily migrations up to 10 to 100 m. Most of the lanternfishes
measure 6.5 to 10 cm in length. They have large eyes and bear
photophores. They feed on small prawns, copepods and other crustaceans
and have a low fecundity, with the females producing about 100-2000
buoyant, pelagic eggs of size 0.7-0.9 mm (Balu and Menon, 2006).
Myctophids are not of much commercial importance so far. Most of the
post harvest activities are restricted to the laboratory trials with some
exception in fish meal and oil production, which is carried out on
commercial level.
Description
Keywords
Myctophids, amino acids, biochemical composition, deep sea lobster, oil sardine, hydrolysate
Citation
Proceedings of the National Seminar on Conservation and Sustainability of Coastal Living Resources of India, 1-3 December 2009, Cochin, ed.by Meenakumari, B. et.al 731-741