Get More Omega 3 from Catfish

MALAYSIA - According to the operations manager of the fisheries graduates group, Nik Mohd Firdaus Nik Daud, the Omega 3 content of Omega 3 catfish is about 2.3-2.5 percent as compared to only 0.02 percent in the other catfish breeds.

"The Omega 3 catfish is different as we formulated its feed by using a special mix of fish feed, starch pellets, soya bean, fish oil and a mix of minerals, vitamins and palm oil."

Nik Mohd Firdaus said the group collaborates with the University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) in conducting research to improve the quality of Omega 3 catfish. This catfish is reared at the fish breeding centre in Bukit Belah, Machang near by.

Fatty Acid

The Omega 3 catfish has a high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acid that comes from phytoplankton.

"Omega 3 fatty acid can reduce the risk of contracting cancer and heart problems. The fish oil in Omega 3 catfish reduces heart fibrillations," said Nik Mohd Firdaus. "Hence, this fatty acid can reduce the possibility of heart attacks by reducing the blood cholesterol content and blood clots."

Apart from that, the Omega 3 catfish is good for the brain and child growth due to its DHA content.

"The human brain needs more than 20 gm of DHA. A low DHA level means a low serotonin level and this can cause emotional stress," said Nik Mohd Firdaus.

Canvas Ponds

The Omega 3 catfish is reared in canvas ponds, a new method formulated by the group with assistance from the Kelantan Fisheries Department.

This breeding concept, which entails easy handling with low costs, is capable of providing good income for aquaculture farmers. Kelantan is the pioneer for this fish-breeding method and the Omega 3 catfish is the first aquaculture product to be produced via this technology.

Via this method, only 90 days are needed for the fish to be harvested and ready for the market.

The wholesale price of Omega 3 catfish is RM3 a kg. It retails at RM6 a kg. The Omega 3 catfish also appears in the market in the form of meat floss and fish balls.