Shalini, R.; Arisekar, U.; Jeyasekaran, G; Shakila, R.J.; Sundhar, S.; Sivaraman, B., and Tamizhselvan, S., 2025. Mineral composition of the commercially valuable fish and shellfish caught along the Thoothukudi Coast, Southeast India. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(1), 94–104. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208.

The SE coast of India boasts a diverse array of fish species, influenced by its geographical features, coastal habitats, and marine ecosystems. To study the nutritional value of fish and shellfish, the concentration of seven minerals (calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], manganese [Mn], and selenium [Se]) in 28 commercially valuable finfish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and bivalves along Thoothukudi region of the SE coast of India was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer. Based on the concentration, the minerals were in the order of Mg > Ca > Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Se. The mineral concentration varied among different finfish and shellfish. The highest total mineral concentration was recorded in oysters (Magallana bilineata; 112.8 mg/100 g), followed by ribbonfish (Trichiurus lepturus; 74.7 mg/100 g), and flower shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus; 71.6 mg/100 g). The Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) and ribbonfish recorded the highest Ca (36.4 mg/100 g) and Fe (7.42 ± 2.25 mg/100 g) concentrations. Among shellfish, M. bilineata recorded the highest concentration of Ca (38.3 mg/100 g), Cu (3.73 mg/ 100 g), Fe (5.02 mg/100 g), and Zn (28.7 mg/100 g). The results indicate that ribbonfish, goldenstripe sardine, Indian mackerel, and oysters are good mineral sources. This study provides the baseline data regarding the mineral concentration of valuable finfish and shellfish along the SE coast of India.