Proximate composition and fatty acid profile of Nile tilapia reared in a biofloc system with different salinities

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of salinity on the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the Nile tilapia fillet when reared in a biofloc system. Juveniles (200 ± 10 g) were reared at salinities of 2, 8, 15 and 22 PSU for 56 days. At the end of the experiment, the proximate composition and the fatty acid profile were evaluated in the fillets. No significant differences were observed for crude protein, ether extract, dry matter and ash levels. However, saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids were higher in tilapia reared at 2 PSU compared to other salinities (8, 15, and 22 PSU). The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contents did not vary among fish reared at salinities of 2, 8, and 15 PSU but were significantly lowest in tilapia reared at 22 PSU. The overall results suggest that the different salinities do not significantly affect the proximate composition of the Nile tilapia file reared in a biofloc system. On the other hand, the fatty acid composition was influenced by salinity, as a reduction in PUFA content was observed at the highest tested salinity (22 PSU) and an increase in SFA and MUFA contents were recorded at the lowest tested salinity (2 PSU).