Proximate Composition, Mineral Profile and Cholesterol Level in Whole and Fillet of the Guinean Mantis Shrimp, Squilla aculeata calmani (Holthuis, 1959) (Crustacea: Stomatopoda)

¹Shellfish Research Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria

The Guinean Mantis Shrimp is a crustacean of the Order Stomatopoda, having a carapace that does not cover the posterior thorax and a broad abdomen bearing gills on the appendages. The nutritional profile of Squilla aculeata calmani as whole organism and fillet was investigated using standard techniques. The proximate compositions of the fillet and whole organism were significantly different (P>0.05), with fillet having higher protein content (65.91 ± 2.24 %) to the whole organism (31.05 ± 3.55%). The whole organism was significantly higher in calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium. Cholesterol was not detected in Squilla aculeata calmani as whole organism and fillet. The samples were very good sources of oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid with hypotensive (blood pressure reducing) effects. The study showed that both the flesh and the shell contribute positively to the nutritional quality of the Guinea Mantis Shrimp, Squilla aculeata calmani. As the concentrations of the mineral content were within the allowed daily requirement, the shrimp could be employed as an alternative dietary supplement.

Keywords: Stomatopod; Mantis shrimp; Nutrients; proximate; Lagos Lagoon.