Types of fatty fish
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Types of Fatty Fish: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Fatty Fish and Their Nutritional Importance
Fatty fish are renowned for their high content of essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are crucial for human health. These fish are a significant part of the diet in many cultures and are known for their benefits in preventing cardiovascular and neurological diseases 123.
Salmonid Fish: Arctic Cisco, Least Cisco, Muksun, and Arctic Charr
In the waters of the Gydan Peninsula, Siberia, four salmonid fish species—Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis), least cisco (Coregonus sardinella), muksun (Coregonus muksun), and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus)—have been studied for their fatty acid content. Arctic charr and adult Arctic cisco were found to have the highest concentrations of total and polyunsaturated fatty acids, making them particularly beneficial for a healthy diet 1.
Brazilian Freshwater Fish: Brycon cephalus and Cichla ocellaris
Among Brazilian freshwater fish, Brycon cephalus (BC) and Cichla ocellaris (CO) stand out for their high n-3 PUFA content, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These species exhibit superior nutritional quality indices, making them excellent choices for human consumption 2.
Mediterranean Fish: Sardine, Anchovy, and Picarel
Sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus), and picarel (Spicara smaris) are common Mediterranean fish known for their seasonal variation in fatty acid composition. Sardines are particularly rich in n-3 fatty acids, while picarel has the highest oleic acid content. These fish are excellent sources of essential fatty acids throughout the year 3.
Freshwater Fish from the Indus River: Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita, and Oreochromis mossambicus
In the Indus River, Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita, and Oreochromis mossambicus have been analyzed for their fatty acid profiles. Labeo rohita, in particular, contains the highest amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids and protein, making it a valuable source of nutrition 4.
Commercially Important Fish from the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas
Eight commercially important fish species from the seas of Turkey have been evaluated for their fatty acid compositions. These species are rich in EPA and DHA, which are crucial for human health. The high proportions of n-3 PUFAs in these fish enhance their nutritional value 5.
Pacific Fish Species: From Lean to Oily Fish
Fish species from the Pacific Northwest, ranging from lean fish like walleye pollock to oily fish like herring, have been studied for their fatty acid signatures. These species generally have a high proportion of n-3 highly polyunsaturated fatty acids, with significant amounts of EPA and DHA 6.
Conclusion
Fatty fish are diverse and vary significantly in their fatty acid compositions depending on species, habitat, and environmental factors. From the salmonid fish of Siberia to the freshwater species of Brazil and the Mediterranean, these fish provide essential nutrients that are beneficial for human health. Understanding the fatty acid profiles of these fish can help consumers make informed choices to enhance their diet and overall well-being.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Fatty Acid Content of Four Salmonid Fish Consumed by Indigenous Peoples from the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Northwestern Siberia, Russia)
Arctic charr and adult Arctic cisco are the highest sources of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in the traditional diet of indigenous peoples in northwestern Siberia, Russia.
Rigorous JournalFatty acid profiles of five farmed Brazilian freshwater fish species from different families
Brazilian freshwater fish species Brycon cephalus and Cichla ocellaris have high n-3 PUFA content, particularly DHA, and are considered excellent for human health due to their relevant lipid quality.
Rigorous JournalSeasonal variation in the fatty acid composition of three Mediterranean fish - sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) and picarel (Spicara smaris)
Sardine, anchovy, and picarel show significant seasonal variations in fatty acid composition, with sardine being the best source of n 3 fatty acids and picarel having the highest oleic acid content.
Highly CitedChemical compositions and fatty acid profiles of three freshwater fish species
Fish species Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita, and Oreochromis mossambicus from the Indus River, Pakistan, have distinct chemical compositions and fatty acid profiles, suggesting potential for healthy human diets.
Highly CitedFatty acid profiles of commercially important fish species from the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas
Fish species from Turkey's Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas have high levels of EPA and DHA, increasing their nutritional value and increasing their market value.
Highly CitedEvaluating nutritional quality of Pacific fish species from fatty acid signatures.
Pacific fish species have a high proportion of n-3 HUFAs, which contribute to their nutritional quality, while MUFA contents are lower (P P ).
Highly CitedAre fish what they eat? A fatty acid's perspective.
Fish fatty acid profiles are generally reflective of their diet, but the degree of distortion varies based on dietary fatty acid type, fish species, and environmental factors.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedPolyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Fat in Fish Flesh for Selecting Species for Health Benefits
Fish species with high ratios of n-3 to n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are most beneficial for cardiovascular health, as they are found in coastal waters of the Eastern United States.
Highly CitedFatty acid composition and cholesterol content of selected marine fish in Malaysian waters
Most Malaysian marine fish species have a high content of -3 PUFA, which is beneficial for heart health and reduces cholesterol levels.
Highly Cited