Optimum Conditions for Fish Lipid Extraction

Abstract

Lipid contents of six fish species were analyzed based on the method of Bligh&Dyer (1959). Samples from 1 to 9 grams were extracted with 50 ml. of three mixtures of methanol and chloroform (2:1, 1:1 and 1:2 v/v). The aliquot was taken from the bottom layer after adding 30 ml. water and used for lipid determination. The lipid content of fish flesh were found to range 0.6% to 11.5%. Significant variation of lipid content of the same species was caused by mixture of solvent used, the ratio of solvent volume and sample size and the interaction effect of these factors. Duncan's multiple range test showed that the optimum conditions for lipid extraction of fish can be achieved by:1. use methanol:chloroform 2:1 with lean fish, 2. use methanol: chloroform 1:2 with fatty fish and 3. at least 50 folds of solvent volume to the sample size was used. Methanol : chloroform 1:1 may preferentially be used for any fish tissue, in general.