Proximate composition and amino acid profiles of early stage of spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus

During early development stages, embryos and larvae of marine fish use amino acids (AA) as an energy source for aerobic catabolism and for maintaining osmolality of body fluids. Amino acid profile of eggs and larvae can be used to determine essential amino acid requirements (EAA). Better understanding the evolution of biochemical composition can improve nutritional needs at the start of exogenous feeding during early stages of fish larvae; high mortalities from nutritional deficiencies have been reported at this stage. The aim of this study was to determine the proximate chemical composition and AA profile of eggs, newly hatched larvae and larvae at 4 days post-hatch (DDE). Samples of previously mentioned stages were taken and the proximate composition and AA profile were determined using standard methods. The percentage of protein was significantly higher in the larvae 4 DDE lower in lipids. The amount of histidine, arginine and methionine was higher in the eggs and the rest of EAA was higher in the larvae at 4 DDE. The percentage of taurine was significantly higher in the eggs. These findings may serve as a guideline of EAA requirements for spotted rose snapper larvae at the onset of exogenous feeding and contribute to better feeding protocols and develop balanced diets to improve larval growth and survival.