Chemical Composition of Two Grey Mullet Species (Chelon auratus, Mugil cephalus): A Comparative Study on Wild and Aquaculture-Adapted Species

Abstract

This study assessed the chemical composition of wild and culture-adapted golden grey mullet (Chelon auratus) and flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus). Wild samples were collected seasonally from Trabzon shores and compared to those adapted to aquaculture conditions for one year. Both species had high levels of glutamate, aspartate, alanine, leucine, and isoleucine. Mugil cephalus was a high protein source for adults, with a digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) score above 100 in both wild and culture forms. However, a DIAAS score exceeding 100 was only detected in wild Chelon auratus in the winter and spring. Both species had high levels of EPA and DHA, with Mugil cephalus having the highest lipid quality. Despite seasonal variations, cultured fish maintained a good nutritional profile similar to wild fish, especially in the autumn and summer.