Major Mineral (P, K, Ca ) Contents and Proximate Compositions of the Male and Female Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus segnis Forskal, 1775) from Northeastern Mediterranean Sea, Mersin Bay, Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the nutritive value of blue swimming crab (Portunus segnis Forskal, 1775). Selected major mineral (P, K, Ca) contents, proximate compositions and fatty acids contents in female and male specimens of blue swimming were investigated. Crab samples used in this research were obtained from Northeastern Mediterranean Sea, Mersin Bay, Turkey. There were no significant differences in the nutritive value between the sexes (p>0.05).  The protein was identified as 20.16% and 19.03% for female and male crab respevtively.  This species was found to be rich in minerals and low in fat (0.66% for male, 0.91% for female) when compared with other economical crab species from Mediterranean Sea/Turkey. In fatty acid composition, the saturated fatty acid fraction was dominant, followed by monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid for both sexes. In conclusion, from a nutritional point of view, both male and female blue swimming crab are demonstrated acceptable quality.

Keywords: Minerals, Proximate analysis, Blue swimming crab; Portunus segnis; Mediterranean sea