The fatty acid profile of Pickhandle barracuda (Sphyraena jello) and Yellowtail barracuda (Sphyraena flavicauda) in autumn and spring

Biochemical composition of seafood is important in order to present some nutrition recommendations. In this study, the fatty acid composition of barracuda was investigated. Pickhandle barracuda (Sphyraena jello) and Yellowtail barracuda (Sphyraena flavicauda) were caught in autumn and spring from the Oman Sea during 2015 Total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in both species were higher in spring (P<0.05) than in autumn. The most monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were found in autumn (P<0.05). Sum of EPA + DHA was the least in spring, while highest in autumn. The omega 6 content in the Pickhandle barracuda in autumn did not show any significant difference in comparison with that of Yellowtail barracuda in spring (P>0.05). The most omega 3 fatty acid in both species was observed in specimens caught in autumn and had a significant difference with that of the spring (P<0.05). The maximum n-3/n-6 ratio was found in Pickhandle barracuda in spring (9.33 ± 0.53). Thrombogenecity index in Pickhandle barracuda in spring was the highest (0.62 ± 0.24) (P<0.05). Barracuda spawning starts from spring through summer, so, significant differences in the biochemical content may be due to the sexual requirements and also the nutrition conditions as well as the availability of food items. In conclusion, both barracudas are valuable in the human health nutrition especially in adults.