The Variations in Proximate Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile in Different Parts of the Thornback Ray (Raja clavata) Caught from Black Sea, Turkey

Proximate chemical composition and fatty acid (FA) profile of different parts and sexes of ray (Raja clavata) were compared. The proximate values of liver samples significantly differed from other body parts (p < 0.05). Pectoral fin had the highest moisture, protein, and ash contents (78.6, 20.5, and 1.2%, respectively). The highest fat content (39.7%) was observed for liver samples. A significant variation was also observed between sexes in terms of proximate and FA values (p < 0.05). The levels of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) varied between 27.132.1, 14.919.0, and 34.339.5%, respectively, in total fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The highest total PUFA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) values were observed in the edible portion of liver for both sexes due to high contents of fat, despite the low values of % total FAME in comparison with other body parts. Significant variations among FA levels were observed for different body parts (p < 0.05). The highest DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) values were found in the edible portion of the liver and calculated as 6.8 and 2.3 g/100 g, respectively, indicating the importance of utilizing the liver of this species.