Biochemical composition of four octopuses represented in trawl net by-catches off Visakhhapatnam, east coast of India

The biochemical parameters such as protein, lipid, carbohydrate and ash besides water content in the muscle of Octopus aegina, O. membranaceus, O. dollfusi and Cystopus indicus have been conducted during October2009 to September, 2011 at Visakhapatnam. The percentage composition of protein, lipid, carbohydrate and ash ranges from 9.95 to 17.56, 3.98 to 9.01, 0.23 to 0.62 and 3.73 to 7.79 respectively in juveniles and adults of four species. There was no remarkable variation in the biochemical composition of four species. Seasonally highest protein and lipid contents were noticed in summer in four species. Variations in biochemical composition in present study may be governed by spawning cycle and feeding activity. The present study indicated that all the four species of Octopuses studied were nutritionally equal to any food fish and they could be used for food and for preparation of various fish by-products.