TITLE:
Characterization of the Nutritional Value of Inkorogo (Brycinus rhodopleura), Fish Caught in Lake Tanganyika in Burundi
AUTHORS:
Jonathan Niyukuri, Emelyne Nininahazwe, Séverin Sindayikengera
KEYWORDS:
Brycinus rhodopleura, Nutritional Value, Lake Tanganyika, Inkorogo
JOURNAL NAME:
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
Vol.17 No.2,
February
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study aims to analyze the nutritional value of the species Brycinus rhodopleura (vernacular name, Inkorogo), a freshwater fish from Lake Tanganyika. Lipid and mineral content were analyzed using official AOAC methods. Saponification and methylation were performed according to the standardized AOAC 996.06 protocol. Fatty acids were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that the average lipid content of Brycinus rhodopleura was 17.05% ± 1.22%, 14.50% ± 1.61%, and 16.80% ± 1.59% for the Magara, Mvugo, and Karonda beaches, respectively, classifying this species as an oily fish. The lipid profile is dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids (53.22% ± 3.27%), followed by saturated fatty acids (37.73% ± 2.9%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (15.12% ± 1.44%). Oleic acid (35.79% ± 1.46%) is the most abundant, followed by stearic acid (13.7% ± 0.7%). Significant levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were observed: arachidonic acid (3.07% ± 1.06%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (0.99% ± 0.17%), respectively. The minerals identified as having significant levels are calcium (59,856 ± 868.74 mg/kg), phosphorus (24,812 ± 322.94 mg/kg), potassium (12,148 ± 244.03 mg/kg), iron (176 ± 8.77 mg/kg), and zinc (57 ± 4.16 mg/kg). The consumption of Brycinus rhodopleura could therefore contribute to improving the nutritional status of local populations and combating malnutrition in Burundi and the Great Lakes region.