SEASONAL-CHANGES IN THE CHEMICAL AND LIPID-COMPOSITION OF FILLETS OF THE SOUTHWEST ATLANTIC HAKE (MERLUCCIUS-HUBBSI)

The pH, chemical and lipid composition of fillets of the Southwest Atl antic hake (Merluccius hubbsi) was studied over the course of a year. Mean values for the chemical composition were (wet basis): total non-v olatile nitrogen, 2.87%; water, 79.5%; lipids, 1.5%; ash, 1.20%. Water and lipid content were linearly related (P < 0.05). Seasonal changes in the chemical composition were related to the energetic status of th e hake, as assessed through the condition factor values. Lipid classes showed seasonal changes. Sterol content varied between 65 and 275 mg% (wet basis). Mean values for eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic aci ds were 0.09 and 0.35 g% (wet basis). Results are compared to those re ported for other hake species. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.