Feasibility analysis of suckermouth catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855) as a feed ingredient for cultivated fish

Abstract

Background: Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855) has been known to dominate Lake Sidenreng. The abundant presence of this species has not been optimally utilized and has caused negative impacts on the ecosystem. This study aims to evaluate the heavy metal content of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), as well as to analyze the nutritional composition of suckermouth catfish meat. Methods: The research was conducted in July and August 2021 in Lake Sidenreng, Sidenreng Rappang Regency, South Sulawesi. Fish samples were obtained from fishermen at three stations: Wette’e, Teteaji, and Mojong. Heavy metal content was analyzed descriptively based on the maximum permissible limits of heavy metal contamination, while the nutritional composition was analyzed using proximate analysis. Findings: The results showed that the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels in suckermouth catfish meat from July to August were below the heavy metal contamination limits, with Cd <0.01 µg/g and Pb ranging from <0.01 to 0.13 µg/g. Mercury (Hg) levels in July ranged from 0.0006 to 0.0119 µg/g, whereas in August, Hg levels exceeded the contamination limit, ranging from 0.2246 to 0.8223 µg/g. The nutritional composition of the fish meat showed high protein content (88.56–92.08%), ash content (3.19–7.46%), fat content (1.00–2.08%), and carbohydrate content (1.18–3.44%). Conclusion: The Cd and Pb levels in all sampling stations were within the acceptable limits. The Hg levels in July and in August at Wette’e were still within tolerable limits, while in Mojong and Teteaji in August, Hg levels exceeded the contamination threshold. The protein content of P. pardalis from Lake Sidenreng was relatively high, while the fat, carbohydrate, ash, and crude fiber contents were relatively low. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides new insights into the heavy metal contamination and nutritional composition of P. pardalis in Lake Sidenreng, which has not been extensively studied. The findings contribute to the assessment of the species’ potential as a food source and highlight the environmental risks associated with heavy metal accumulation