Review

Small Indigenous Fish: A Potential Source of Valuable

Nutrients in the Context of Bangladesh
Md Rakibul Islam 1,† , Momota Yeasmin 1,† , Sultana Sadia 1,† , Md Sadek Ali 2 , Ahmed Redwan Haque 2
and Vikash Chandra Roy 1,3, *

1 Department of Fisheries Technology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University,
Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
2 Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
3 Institute of Food Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
* Correspondence: vikashft@[Link]
† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Abstract: Peoples can readily and affordably obtain small indigenous fish species (SIS), with a
maximum length of 25 cm, that can be found in niches in small bodies of water (such as canals,
ponds, wetlands, streams, etc.). SIS contribute valuable and significant macro- and micronutrients
in Bangladesh. SIS are excellent suppliers of vitamins and minerals. The main micronutrients are
copper, iodine, iron, selenium, chromium, and zinc, which can help prevent mineral deficiency
and enzymatic response in the human body. SIS, such as the mola (Amblypharyngodon mola), cotio
(Osteobrama cotio), darkina (Esomus danricus), etc., are easily digestible by the human gut. Nutrients
of these fish are quickly accessible by the intestine. These fish are comparatively cheap and easy to
capture and promote the presence of particular vitamins in SIS, including A, D, E, and K, as well
as vitamin B components. This review paper focuses on the SIS nutritional contribution and their
efficacy of preventing malnutrition in developing countries such as Bangladesh and the whole world.

Keywords: micronutrients; small indigenous fish; vitamins; minerals; bioactive compounds

Citation: Islam, M.R.; Yeasmin, M.;

Sadia, S.; Ali, M.S.; Haque, A.R.; Roy,
V.C. Small Indigenous Fish: A
1. Introduction
Potential Source of Valuable A variety of native small fish species, as well as other fish, are available in natural
Nutrients in the Context of resources, including beels, floodplains, open water ponds, ditches, rivers, canals, rice fields,
Bangladesh. Hydrobiology 2023, 2, etc. As a result of the richness of small indigenous fish (SIF) in natural resources, the
212–234. [Link] majority of rural communities frequently devoured small indigenous fish in old days [1–5],
hydrobiology2010014 which accounted for between 50 and 80 percent of all fish consumed by families [4,6].
Academic Editor: Baik-Ho Kim For many impoverished people in developing nations, fisheries play a significant role in
ensuring food security. With 18.1 kg consumed per person each year, fish accounts for
Received: 30 December 2022 60 percent of the country’s protein consumption, making it an essential animal source
Revised: 13 January 2023
diet for most people in Bangladesh [7]. The nation’s aquatic resources are diversified and
Accepted: 3 February 2023
plentiful, with 267 freshwater fish species [8] and 3.1 million tons of annual production [9].
Published: 6 February 2023
The consumption of many underprivileged people in developing nations, typically high
in carbohydrates, can benefit from fish as a good source of protein, micronutrients, and
essential fatty acids. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2003, emphasizes
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
the significance of small-scale fishing specifically for diet protection. Fish provide diet
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. protection in diverse ways. According to Kostori et al. [2], the small indigenous fish species
This article is an open access article are a rich source of nutrition and mature at a length of around 25 cm or 6 inches. According
distributed under the terms and to the study by [10], SIS offer higher nutrition since it is more common for humans to ingest
conditions of the Creative Commons entire fish from nutrient-rich SIS.
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// SIS provide better nutrition because they are frequently consumed whole, including
[Link]/licenses/by/ the head, bones, and eyes, utilizing all available nutrients, including micronutrients. These
4.0/). fish are valued for their high protein, fatty acid, vitamin, and mineral content. According to

Hydrobiology 2023, 2, 212–234. [Link] [Link]

Hydrobiology 2023, 2 213

reports, certain species, including Amblypharyngodon mola, Osteobrama cotio, Esomus danricus,
and Corica soborna, have high levels of vitamin A as well as other vitamins and minerals [11].
In addition, the amount of vitamins and minerals included in one kilogram of SIS is
equivalent to about fifty kilograms of large fish, such as Indian Major carp [12]. It has
been stated that SIS are one of the significant contributors of vitamin A and minerals to the
common people of Bangladesh [4]. Several studies reported that fish is the most frequently
consumed protein source, over meat, in Bangladesh [3,7,13]. The SIS are crucial in reducing
malnutrition and protecting rural communities’ nutritional and economic securities [12,14].
It is widely believed that the ability of self-recruiting species (SRS) to exist in both
natural and controlled ecosystems is crucial for the survival of rural people [15]. In
addition to providing additional earnings and essential protein for rural families, extensive
carp production and small indigenous species are also environmentally favorable [16].
When micronutrient deficiency is a major issue, SIS play a crucial function in supplying
micronutrients [10]. Animal protein, fatty acids, vital vitamins, and minerals are abundant
in small indigenous fish [17]. Most of the small fish are consumed whole, including the
head, organs, and bones, and they provide calcium, vitamin A, iron, and zinc to the
underprivileged people of Bangladesh [18]. They make up a considerable portion of
the finfish and shellfish population overall, which significantly improves the nutritional
stability of rural people. The SIS are prolific breeders, require little to no management, and
thrive in lentic and lotic water systems such as wetlands, beels, home ponds, abandoned
water bodies, irrigation and drainage channels, and rich fields. The initial pisciculture
methods eradicated SIS as insects because they were treated as weeds or trash fish having a
negative impact on the preservation of valuable species [1]. Modern aquaculture practices
have shown that integrating small indigenous species into polyculture systems is wise
because it increases pond fish productivity overall [12]. The wide majority of fish consumed
by the impoverished rural people is the small indigenous species of fish. Due to their
availability and low market demand compared to large-sized fish, they eat these fish
species since they are more prevalent. The rural people frequently rely on these small fish
that they obtain as by-catch because it might be expensive to buy pulses and vegetables [12].
SIS is an essential source of macro and micronutrients in Bangladesh [10,19]. However,
there are few research articles on SIS’s micro and macronutrient compositions. Factual
information is necessary for the popularization of this SIS to the people both domestically
and abroad. SIS species are most abundant in monsoon season in the floodplain areas [2,4,7].
To ensure the market price of SIS and their best probable processing, methods are required
to provide year-round availability to the consumers and export. There is no review of
Bangladesh’s SIS species’ nutritional qualities and processing techniques. We believe this
study will help fishery scientists and food/fish processors think about the SIS and their
best possible utilization. In recent years, Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in the
food production sector, although, malnutrition is still of concern. Several studies showed
that SIS can effectively promote a healthy diet among all kinds of people, including the
poor [3,5,20–22].
Thus, the main goals of this study are to compile detailed nutritional content profiles
of important small indigenous fish species in Bangladesh. Specific species and nutritional
components were selected for studies to “fill the gaps” in the available data. Estimating the
allowance of SIS species to recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) is one of our secondary
goals. Certain nutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, iodine, vitamin A, and vitamin B12
are considered since they are recognized as health concerns of the public in Bangladesh.
The information reported in this study is the most extensive collection of data about the
nutritional content of important small indigenous species of fish in Bangladesh that has
been examined so far. The review paper demonstrates how some nutrients, such as iron,
zinc, iodine, and vitamin complex, interact with the molecular makeup of the human body
and could potentially be used in food in the future. Additionally, this study also addresses
the effect of small indigenous species of fish on human wellbeing. Moreover, this study
Hydrobiology 2023, 2, 212–234 214

zinc, iodine, and vitamin complex, interact with the molecular makeup of the human body
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 and could potentially be used in food in the future. Additionally, this study also addresses
214
the effect of small indigenous species of fish on human wellbeing. Moreover, this study
also highlights Bangladesh’s prospective future usage of small indigenous species of fish
in food production.
also highlights Bangladesh’s prospective future usage of small indigenous species of fish in
food production.
2. Methodology
2. Methodology
2.1. Search Strategy
2.1. Search Strategyarticles on the nutritional composition, processing techniques, and uti-
The research
The
lization ofresearch articles on and
SIS in Bangladesh the nutritional composition,
southeast Asia processing
were considered for techniques,
this [Link] uti-
Research
lization of SIS in Bangladesh and southeast Asia were considered for this review. Research
articles available on Google Scholar as well as indexed in Pubmed and Science Direct da-
articles were
tabases available on Google
searched usingScholar as well as of
the combination indexed in Pubmed
keywords “Smalland Science Direct
indigenous fishes,”
databases were searched using the combination
“Nutritional importance,” and “Bangladesh”. of keywords “Small indigenous fishes”,
“Nutritional importance”, and “Bangladesh”.
2.2. Selection Process and Data Extraction
2.2. Selection Process and Data Extraction
The
The article
article selection
selection process
process inin this
this article
articlewas
wasbased
basedon onthe
thescreening
screeningofof titles
titles and
and
abstracts. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
abstracts. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and Meta-Anal-
ysis (PRISMA)
(PRISMA) guidelines
guidelines to screen
to screen and identify
and identify scientific
scientific literature
literature relatedrelated
to [Link]
SIS. During
the
the screening
screening process,
process, all all articles
articles were
were filtered
filtered according
according to language.
to language. TheThe information
information of of
searched
searched papers
papers in English was was considered
consideredfor forthis
thisreview
reviewworkwork(Figure
(Figure1).1).

Figure
Figure1.
[Link]
Representative scheme of this
scheme of thisreview
reviewarticle.
article.

[Link]
Resultsand
and Discussion
Discussion
3.1. Small Indigenous Fish Species (SIS)
3.1. Small Indigenous Fish Species (SIS)
According to several scientists, fish that can grow to 25 cm or 9 inches at the mature or
According to several scientists, fish that can grow to 25 cm or 9 inches at the mature
adult life cycle stage are known as SIS [3,23]. However, some SIS such as Heteropneustes fossilis
or adult life cycle stage are known as SIS [3,23]. However, some SIS such as Heteropneustes
can grow more than 9 inches or 25 cm. SIS are an essential source of nutrition for many
fossilis can grow
communities more than
worldwide. 9 inches
These smallor 25are
fish [Link]
SIS are an essential
overlooked whensource of nutrition
considering sourcesfor
many communities worldwide. These small fish are often overlooked when considering
of protein, yet they provide a vital source of nutrition for people living in poverty. They also
sources
provideof protein,nutrients
essential yet theytoprovide a vital
those living insource
remoteof nutrition
areas for people
who may not haveliving
accessintopoverty.
other
They also provide essential nutrients to those living in remote areas who may not
food sources. The importance of these SIS lies in their ability to provide essential nutrients have
and vitamins that are hard to find elsewhere. This article will explore the nutritional
significance of SIS and how they can be a sustainable food in Bangladesh and the world.
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 215

3.2. SIS Resources and Their Micronutrients

Bangladesh is one of the most significant inland fishing countries in the world. Out
of 251 different inland fish species, Bangladesh’s water bodies are home to more than
150 SIS of fish (Table 1) [24]. Diversified water bodies (ponds, beels, haors, baors, rice fields,
floodplains, etc.) are excellent breeding and rearing grounds, with an abundance of natural
food (Table 1), space, and appropriate environment [12]. They can spread quickly to other
natural water bodies due to their ability to spawn in narrow and shallow water bodies; as
the rainy season passes, their abundance rises, especially when water bodies reach their
maximum levels. These water bodies do not have any naturally occurring species-specific
populations. It essentially aids in obtaining the fundamental broodstock required for pond
production through breeding and recruitment [24]. The most common catches of SIS are
Puti, Darkina, Mola, Chanda, Koi, Taki, Cheng, Tengra, Gochi, and Magur [21].
In the Indian sub-continent, SIS of fish in inland water bodies (freshwater wetlands
and rivers) are found in sufficient quantity. Except for a few exceptions, most SIS do not
integrate into a standard cultural context even though they differ in classification, shape,
size, and eating habits. In addition to their unique cultural systems, they are regarded as
one of the traditional dishes in most Asian nations, such as India, Bangladesh, Vietnam,
Laos, etc., to make up for dietary deficits [9,25–27]. SIS are a valued food ingredient that
supplies a variety of vitamins and minerals in addition to proteins [4,28] (Figure 2) (Table 2).
Small fish species, being widely available, are a boon for persons of lower socio-economic
status, even though it allows people to have essential dietary components.
Different types of fish species, amphibians, molluscs, crustaceans, etc., coexist in
natural resources (e.g., rivers, canals, banks, ponds, low water bodies, rice fields) in very
varied quantities. Among them, the nutrition content is highest in small fish, and they live
in diverse and abundant ecosystems [8]. The local people catch small fish from their local
water bodies and bring them to sell in the local market. The soil topography and ecosystem
sample of various rivers, channels, and rice fields of Bangladesh, West Bengal, and Assam
bring diversity among small fish. The relative abundance of these species is consistent
with observations made from paddy fields and associated trap ponds in the respective
areas [29]. Traditional fishing gear is usually used to collect SIS from paddy fields and
attached trap ponds. Due to the structural characteristics of the equipment [30,31], fish
with low biomass are more prone to such traps than fish with high biomass, resulting
in species size and composition as observed of different SIS species sold on the market.
Biomass and abundance characteristics of SIS are similar to those observed from the Padma
River in Bangladesh [32]. Perhaps the connections between rivers, irrigation canals, and
rice fields provide a continuum of freshwater habitats that facilitate the movement of fish
species across different landscapes. Fish species’ specific preferences for habitat (canals,
rivers, or rice fields) may contribute to differences in encounter rates and captures in the
three systems [25]. The diverse ecosystem services attributed to SIS qualify as a valuable
aquatic living resource that requires sustainable exploitation. Due to SIS’s abundance and
food value, continued exploitation is essential, especially locally. Strategies to increase the
abundance of SIS through polyculture [33] or rice fish farming [34,35] can be a viable option
to maintain demand at the local scale of the respective geographical area [36]. Apart from
their role in food security, various species of SIS are in high demand in the ornamental fish
trade and biological control of mosquitoes.
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 216

Table 1. Some SIS species and their identification, by 1 Mohanty et al. [12] and 2 Bogard et al. [21].

Species Order Family Local Name

1 Aborichthys elongates (Hora, 1921) Cypriniformes Nemacheilidae Rimum, Ribb
1 Acanthocobitis botia (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Nemacheilidae Gadera, Chikli
1 Ailia coila (F. Hamilton, 1822) Siluriformes Ailiidae Patasi, Kajuli
1 Ailiichthys punctate (Day, 1872) Siluriformes Ailiidae Jamuna ailia
1 Amblyceps laticeps (McClelland, 1842) Siluriformes Amblycipitidae Amblyceps
1 Amblyceps mangois (Blyth, 1858) Siluriformes Amblycipitidae Tayek, Chikka
1 Amblypharyngodon microlepis (Bleeker, 1854) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Indian carplet
1 Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Mola carplet,
1 Anabas cobojius (F. Hamilton, 1822) Anabantiformes Anabantidae Ganjetic koi
1 Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) Anabantiformes Anabantidae Koi, Kawai
1 Aplocheilus parvus (Sundara Raj, 1916) Cyprinodontiformes Aplocheilidae Dwarf panchax
1 Aplocheilus panchax (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cyprinodontiformes Aplocheilidae Charbeki
1 Aspidoparia jaya (Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Chola, Jaya
1 Cabdio morar (Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Olahalale
1 Badis badis (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Badidae Badis
1 Barilius bendelisis
Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Bhareli, Zhorya, Korang
(F. Hamilton, 1807)
1 Barilius vagra (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Korang
1 Barilius shacra (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Bola, Shacra baril
1 Batasio batasio (Blyth, 1860) Siluriformes Bagridae Tista batasio
1 Botia dario (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Botiidae Botuk mach, loach
1 Botia rostrata (Günther, 1868) Cypriniformes Botiidae Gangetic loach
1 Danio rerio (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Poncha geraldi
1 Chanda nama (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Ambassidae Chanda, Kachki
1 Parambassis ranga (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Ambassidae Chanari, Ranga chanda
1 Channa gachua (F. Hamilton, 1822) Anabantiformes Channidae Dokrya, Bothua
1 Channa orientalis (Bloch and J. G. Schneider, 1801) Anabantiformes Channidae Cheinga, Cheng
1 Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793) Anabantiformes Channidae Lata, Spotted snake head, Gadisha
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 217

Table 1. Cont.

Species Order Family Local Name

1 Channa stewartii (Playfair, 1867) Anabantiformes Channidae Sengalee, Assamese snake head
1 Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) Siluriformes Clariidae Magur
1 Trichogaster chuna (F. Hamilton, 1822) Anabantiformes Osphronemidae Sunset gourami
1 Trichogaster lalius (F. Hamilton, 1822) Anabantiformes Osphronemidae Khosti, Kunggee
1 Crossocheilus latius (Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Gangetic latia
1 Danio dangila (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Laupati, Nipati
1 Danio rerio (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Zebra fish, Anju, Pocha-geraidi
1 Devario aequipinnatus
Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Balooki, vannathipodi
(McClelland, 1839)
1 Esomus danrica (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Darikana, jongia, Dendu
1 Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822) Siluriformes Schilbeidae Bacha, Neemuch
1 Gagata cenia (Hamilton, 1822) Siluriformes Sisoridae Indian gagata
1 Garra annandalei (Hora, 1921) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Nungnga
1 Garra lamta (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Pathorchata, Dohjei
1 Glossogobius giuris (F. Hamilton, 1822) Gobiiformes Gobiidae Tank goby, Gulah
1 Glyptothorax chindwinica (Vishwanath and Linthoingambi,
Siluriformes Sisoridae Nau, Pattarchatta
2007)
1 Gudusia chapra
Clupeiformes Clupeidae Khoira, Karati, Chapra
(F. Hamilton, 1822)
1 Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794) Siluriformes Siluriformes Singhi
1 Laubuka laubuca (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Dankena, Dorikana
1 Mystus bleekeri (F. Day, 1877) Siluriformes Bagridae Palwa, Tengara
1 Mystus gulio (Hamilton, 1822) Siluriformes Bagridae Nona tangra, Gule tangra
1 Mystus malabaricus (Jerdon, 1849) Siluriformes Bagridae Shingeti
1 Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) Siluriformes Bagridae Striped dwarf catfish
1 Mystus vittatus (Bloch, 1794) Siluriformes Bagridae Tangra
1 Nandus nandus (Hamilton, 1822) Siluriformes Nandidae Gangetic leaffish
1 Ompok siluroides (Lacépède, 1803) Siluriformes Siluridae Pabda, Khababia
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 218

Table 1. Cont.

Species Order Family Local Name

1 Oreichthys cosuatis (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Khavli
1 Osteobrama cotio (Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Maura
1 Pellona sp. (Valenciennes, 1847) Clupeiformes Pristigasteridae Pellona
1 Chagunius chagunio (Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Chaguni
1 Puntius chola (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Swamp barb
1 Pethia gelius (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Glass barb
1 Pethia phutunio (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Dwarf barb
1 Puntius sarana (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Olive barb
1 Puntius sophore (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Sona punti/Pool barb
1 Puntius tirio (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Onespot barb
1 Puntius ticto (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Punti
1 Rasbora daniconius (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Dohni cona, Danikono
1 Salmostoma bacaila (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Chela, Kataria
2 Salmostoma phulo (F. Hamilton, 1822) Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Orali, Finescale razorbelly minnow
2 Macrognathus aculeatus (Bloch, 1786) Synbranchiformes Mastacembelidae Lesser spiny eel
2 Channa marulius (F. Hamilton, 1822) Anabantiformes Channidae Great snakehead
2 Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) Anabantiformes Channidae Striped snakehead
2 Xenentodon cancila (F. Hamilton, 1822) Beloniformes Belonidae Freshwater needlefish
2 Macrognathus pancalus (F. Hamilton, 1822) Synbranchiformes Mastacembelidae Striped spiny eel
2 Mystus cavasius (Hamilton, 1822) Siluriformes Bagridae Gangetic mystus
2 Notopterus notopterus (Pallas, 1769) Osteoglossiformes Notopteridae Bronze featherback
2 Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepède, 1800) Synbranchiformes Mastacembelidae Zig-zag eel
2 Trichogaster fasciata (Bloch and J. G. Schneider, 1801) Anabantiformes Osphronemidae Trichogaster fasciata
 Hydrobiology 2023, 2 219

People worldwide have a common need to consume safe and nutritious food. Avail-
ability, adequate access, utilization, and safety combine to define food security [34] entirely.
According to Gross et al. [37], “food security is the excess of enough food for every person in
the world to lead a healthy life at all times”. Food insecurity occurs whenever this standard
amount cannot be fulfilled, especially in developing countries. Despite the improvement in
Hydrobiology 2023, 2, 212–234 the sector, currently, 36 percent of the total population is suffering from IPC Level 1, and 218
43% is suffering from IPC Level 2, which, in 2009–2010 was two-thirds of the population,
mainly rural household people.

Figure
Figure 2. ImportanceofofSIS
2. Importance SIS in
in the
the context
contextofofBangladesh.
Bangladesh.

In most cases, women are more vulnerable to food insecurity since they have less
Different types of fish species, amphibians, molluscs, crustaceans, etc., coexist in nat-
access to land and water, have less financial support, and look after the needs of others
uralinresources
the family(e.g.,
ratherrivers, canals, banks,
than themselves, andponds,
a thinglow is towater bodies,
raise them rice fields) inand
in malnutrition very var-
iedunder-nourishment
quantities. Amongfrom them,a young age. Small fish are one of the food items that make it live in
the nutrition content is highest in small fish, and they
diverse
possibleandforabundant
rural peopleecosystems
to meet the[8]. The local
adequate demand people catchnutrients
for these small fish
andfrom their local
eliminate
foodbodies
water insecurity.
andFor example,
bring themtheto most
sell inavailable
the localsmall fish, mola,
market. Theissoil
one topography
of the main sources
and ecosys-
temofsample
vitaminof [Link]
It is considered
rivers, one of the easiest
channels, and rice ways to cure
fields diseases, as it West
of Bangladesh, is necessary
Bengal, and
to eat this fish to cure significant diseases such as night blood disease and vitamin A
Assam bring diversity among small fish. The relative abundance of these species is con-
deficiency. In addition, small fish are a reservoir of different minerals (e.g., Zn, P, Mg, Ca,
sistent with observations made from paddy fields and associated trap ponds in the re-
etc.) compared to other food sources. In Cambodia, less expensive small fish also meet the
spective areas [29].of
zinc requirement Traditional fishing
the lower class. Thegear is usually
calcium used tomilk
from skimmed collect SIS equal
is often from to
paddy
that fields
andfrom
attached
small fish. In addition to meeting the requirements of macronutrients, the role of SIS[30,31],
trap ponds. Due to the structural characteristics of the equipment
fishiswith low biomass
immense in meetingarethemore
needsprone to such traps
of micronutrients, than fishanimal
eliminating with high biomass,
protein resulting
deficiency,
and as a natural supplement [36]. Based on the size, age, variety, food
in species size and composition as observed of different SIS species sold on the market. habits, and feeding
habits of
Biomass small
and fish, their amount
abundance of nutrients
characteristics of can
SISvary
are[12].
similar to those observed from the
Padma River in Bangladesh [32]. Perhaps the connections between rivers, irrigation ca-
nals, and rice fields provide a continuum of freshwater habitats that facilitate the move-
ment of fish species across different landscapes. Fish species’ specific preferences for hab-
itat (canals, rivers, or rice fields) may contribute to differences in encounter rates and cap-
tures in the three systems [25]. The diverse ecosystem services attributed to SIS qualify as
a valuable aquatic living resource that requires sustainable exploitation. Due to SIS’s
abundance and food value, continued exploitation is essential, especially locally. Strate-
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 220

Table 2. Quantity of the amino acids (g/100 g protein) of some common SIS species available in
Bangladesh [38].

Amino Acids
Fish Species
Asp Thr Ser Glu Pro Gly Ala Val Cys Met Iso Leu Tyr His Lys Arg Try Phe
A. mola 9.82 5.72 6.68 16.31 0.38 13.74 10.50 0.84 3.15 1.72 5.45 9.62 1.39 4.41 5.17 1.87 1.73 1.5
P. sarana 9.63 4.79 3.48 20.31 4.61 4.47 6.47 5.21 0.80 1.83 3.07 8.05 2.58 1.21 11.17 5.66 1.13 -
H. chela 6.33 4.29 2.41 10.79 3.86 4.74 4.47 4.07 0.50 1.34 4.56 6.92 1.84 4.86 10.98 2.78 1.38 3.84
C. phulo 3.78 1.87 1.40 6.96 2.25 2.99 2.93 2.50 0.31 1.46 2.35 3.51 1.84 1.03 4.13 3.20 - 2.07
Ambassis spp. 9.52 3.23 2.34 14.88 3.29 3.31 4.39 4.48 0.74 2.05 4.22 7.05 4.81 3.30 11.30 6.21 1.12 -
P. stigma 2.80 1.68 1.30 5.76 2.31 3.22 2.88 2.24 0.24 1.22 2.02 3.00 1.60 1.11 3.36 2.71 - 1.85
C. striatus 10.74 4.24 3.60 21.6 4.0 3.75 5.49 5.54 2.40 2.47 4.50 8.76 1.90 3.16 13.26 4.87 - 2.91
G. chapra 3.53 1.93 1.43 6.72 2.30 3.22 3.03 2.64 0.26 1.49 2.31 3.48 1.81 1.08 4.10 3.17 - 2.13
O. niloticus 12.91 5.32 4.05 17.05 4.07 6.68 7.36 5.81 0.84 2.97 6.58 9.83 1.47 2.53 15.76 5.62 - 3.10
Abbreviations: Asp, aspartic acid; Thr, threonine; Ser, serine; Glu, glutamic acid; Pro; proline, Gly, glycine; Ala,
alanine; Val, valine; Cys, cystine; Met, methionine; Iso, isoleucine; Leu, leucine; Tyr, tyrosine; His, histidine; Lys,
lysine; Arg, arginine; Try; tryptophan; Phe, phenylalanine.

The successful linking of human nutrition and fisheries to address micronutrient

deficiencies is relevant for other countries with rich fishery resources, such as Cambodia
and those in the Lake Victoria region of Africa [17].
The nutritional content of these fish varies depending on cleaning techniques, dis-
carded parts, and pre- and post-cooking weights. In this case, the nutrient analysis of their
raw, clean cuts and waste materials has been documented and connected in the above-
mentioned table. Small fish are preserved and consumed all year round in Bangladesh
through a variety of techniques, including pickling during the pick production phase and
drying and preserving small prawns using Sidal and Shut. Small fish are consumed in
enormous quantities in Cambodia in various forms, such as fish sauce, fish paste, and pre-
served small fish. Some are consumed as dried fish, salted fish, fermented fish, and smoked
fish [39]. Thus, tiny fish directly cooked or stored meet 40% and 31% of Bangladesh’s
needs for vitamin A and calcium, respectively [17]. Small plants and animals make up the
majority of the diet of small fish. They have more nutrients in their bodies since they grow
up in a natural setting and eat natural foods. Small fish are the only method to ensure that
the next generation is talented and healthy (Figure 3). “The more popular little fish are in
countries, the healthier and smarter children are growing up”, said World Fish’s nutrition
and public health director.
The whole body of SIS is edible, with head, bones, eyes, and viscera, without any plate
waste, making the food rich in nutrients. Mola fish has the most vitamin E in the eyes, so
one must be careful while cleaning this fish so that the head is not separated from the body
and is eaten with the head, eyes, and bones. The amount of vitamin A in sun-dried fish
reaches almost zero [40]. The amount of minerals (e.g., Ca, Zn, Fe, P, etc.) present in the
fish with a head is comparatively higher during cleaning than in the whole fish except the
head [8]. Based on the growth percentage of Vitamin A2 in a rat’s body, 40% of biological
activity is shown to calculate RAE from fish samples [41]. The high amount of calcium
found in the human body and rat’s milk can be obtained from mallow fish [42,43]. A total
of 25% from both haem iron and non-haem iron and 10 percent from inorganic iron we
can get from fish bodies. However, the cooking method can alter this bioavailability, as
trey changwa plieng, a Cambodian fish dish, provides more heme iron than fried fish [17].
The animal body has more zinc than plants, especially fish. Boiled rice and sour soup is
one of the traditional, everyday food items of Cambodia’s poor population; when cooked
with a trey changwa plieng, it meets 45% of a woman’s daily iron needs. On average, a
woman consumes 367 g of rice and 257 g of sour soup, and 49 g of fish per day. Again,
100 g of sour soup for a child contains only 25% and covers 42% of the child’s daily iron
requirement, whereas a child’s daily iron requirement is 0.42 g of iron [17]. Apart from
these, the absorption of non-heme iron and zinc can be obtained from everyday ingredients,
especially fatty acids, in addition to easily absorbable iron [8].
 desh’s needs for vitamin A and calcium, respectively [17]. Small plants and animals make
up the majority of the diet of small fish. They have more nutrients in their bodies since
they grow up in a natural setting and eat natural foods. Small fish are the only method to
ensure that the next generation is talented and healthy (Figure 3). “The more popular little
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 fish are in countries, the healthier and smarter children are growing up,” said World221
Fish’s
nutrition and public health director.

Figure [Link]
Figure diagramfor
for the
the better utilizationofofSIS,
better utilization SIS, their
their economic
economic importance,
importance, and their
and their impact
impact on
onthe
thehuman
human body.
body.

[Link]
Vitamins
whole body of SIS is edible, with head, bones, eyes, and viscera, without any
Every organism
plate waste, making the needs veryrich
food modest amounts ofMola
in nutrients. vitaminsfishtohas
carry
theout its essential
most vitamintasks.
E in the
They play similar roles at each stage of the life cycle. Many physical and
eyes, so one must be careful while cleaning this fish so that the head is not separated from mental illnesses
thearebody
brought on by a deficiency of these microelements (Figure 4). Depending upon their
and is eaten with the head, eyes, and bones. The amount of vitamin A in sun-
solubility, vitamins are one of two types: fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, K) [44] or water-
dried fish reaches almost zero [40]. The amount of minerals (e.g., Ca, Zn, Fe, P, etc.) pre-
soluble (vitamin C and vitamin B complex) [12]. The vitamin B series (vitamin B1, vitamin
sent
B2,invitamin
the fishB3,with a head
vitamin B5,isvitamin
comparatively
B6, vitamin higher
B7, during
vitamincleaning than in the
B9, and vitamin B10)whole
have fish
except the head [8].
been recognized as Based on the
coenzymes or growth
[Link] of Vitamin
The components A2 in a rat’s
of coenzymes body, 40%
participate in of
biological
numerous biochemical reactions involving blood coagulation, hormone production, energy of
activity is shown to calculate RAE from fish samples [41]. The high amount
calcium
release,found inexample,
etc. For the human the body
activeand rat’s milk
coenzyme formscan
of be obtained
Thiamine from
(B1), mallow(B2),
Riboflavin fishand
[42,43].
A Niacin
total of 25%
(B3) arefrom both and
TPP, FAD, haem iron and non-haem
NAD/NADH, [Link] and 10 percent
Pantothenic from B5)
acid (vitamin inorganic
is
a component of coenzyme A that is necessary for metabolizing carbohydrates,
iron we can get from fish bodies. However, the cooking method can alter this bioavaila- amino acids,
and other
bility, as treybiomolecules [12]. Pyridoxine
changwa plieng, a Cambodian is a coenzyme
fish dish,form of vitamin
provides moreB6. Biotin
heme (vitamin
iron than fried
B7), as a coenzyme, supports the function of carboxylase, pyrimidine
fish [17]. The animal body has more zinc than plants, especially fish. Boiled rice and synthesis, and urea sour
formation [21].
soup is one of the traditional, everyday food items of Cambodia’s poor population; when
Folate (vitamin B9) is a coenzyme required for purine biosynthesis and plays a vital
role in forming heme, the iron-containing substance in hemoglobin. Cobalamin (B12), a
component of cobamide coenzymes, is required to maintain cellular integrity by keeping
the standard structure of the cell membrane intact. Fish is an excellent source of vitamins,
particularly vitamins A, D, and E as well as B1 and B2. Vitamin A produces eye pigments
that prevent eye damage and blindness, and its deficiency is prevalent in developing
countries, especially for children and women [45]. Some studies indicate that vegetarians
(80–90%) suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency since it is only sufficient in animal food (i.e.,
small indigenous fish). Some vitamin components in small fish are below in Table 3.
 ticipate in numerous biochemical reactions involving blood coagulation, hormone pro-
duction, energy release, etc. For example, the active coenzyme forms of Thiamine (B1),
Riboflavin (B2), and Niacin (B3) are TPP, FAD, and NAD/NADH, respectively. Panto-
thenic acid (vitamin B5) is a component of coenzyme A that is necessary for metabolizing
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 carbohydrates, amino acids, and other biomolecules [12]. Pyridoxine is a coenzyme form 222
of vitamin B6. Biotin (vitamin B7), as a coenzyme, supports the function of carboxylase,
pyrimidine synthesis, and urea formation [21].

Figure 4. Contribution and preventive deficiency of vitamins in the presence of SIS, effective activ-
Figure 4. Contribution and preventive deficiency of vitamins in the presence of SIS, effective activities
ities on the cellular level in the human body. The deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins can create several
on the cellularproblems,
health-related level in including
the human body.
night The deficiency
blindness of fat-soluble
and xerophthalmia vitamins
[45,46] can create
in the human body. several
health-related
Mola is a typicalproblems, including
SIS of Bangladesh night blindness
containing and xerophthalmia
a huge amount [45,46] in of
of vitamin A; distribution the human body.
vitamin
Mola is adifferent
A in the typical parts
SIS ofofBangladesh
the mola wascontaining a huge
based on the studyamount
of Roos of vitamin
et al. A;figure
[3]. The distribution of vitamin A
was partially
in the different
modified parts of[8]
from Thilsted the
. mola was based on the study of Roos et al. [3]. The figure was partially
modified from Thilsted [8].
Folate (vitamin B9) is a coenzyme required for purine biosynthesis and plays a vital
role inVitamin
3.3.1. formingAheme, the iron-containing substance in hemoglobin. Cobalamin (B12), a
Vitamin A (retinol, retinoic acid) is essential for eye health, immune function, cell
growth, and reproduction [44]. The most common and first sign of Vitamin A deficiency is
night blindness (poor vision at night or in dim light). According to WHO, 250,000–500,000
children become blind, and half of them die within 12 months because of losing sight.
Humans generally need little amount of this vitamin: the recommended daily allowance of
micrograms is 900 micrograms for men and 800 micrograms for women, with an additional
dose for pregnant women [21]. Mola is a vitamin-A-rich SIS consumed by most households
in Bangladesh. Twenty-eight species mentioned by Bogard et al. [21] are represented in
Table 3 with varying vitamin A levels. The only species in which total vitamin A could
not be measured was Foli. Mola fish had the most significant levels of vitamin A of the
species listed in Table 3 (2503 mg RAE). Mola and cultured mola both had substantial levels
of retinol and dehydroretinol, which were 340, 4590, and 323, 4990, respectively [47]. The
aforementioned discussion makes it quite evident that fish are the only food source in
Bangladesh that can fully satisfy the needs of SIS for vitamin A [17]. As a result of poor
nutrition, their absence is the primary cause of night blindness [48].
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 223

Table 3. Several SIS species are found in nearby tiny or shallow freshwater lakes and contain vitamins
such as water-soluble or fat-soluble vitamins (µg RE/100 g).

Nutrient Presence in 100 g Raw Fish (Different Edible Parts)

Small Vit- B12, D, E and B9 Vit-A
Indigenous Fish
Species (SIS) β- 13-Cis- 13-Cis- All-Trans- All-Trans- Total
V-B12 V-D3 V-D2 V-E B9
(µg) (µg) (µg) (µg) (µg) Carotene Retinol dehyDroretinol Retino Dehydroretinol Vitamin A
(µg) (µg) (µg) (µg) (µg) (µg RAE)
Tit Punti 6.74 0.995 nd 0.16 nd 25 a 4a 5a 11 a 8a 21
Rani, Bou 6.4 0.12 – 0.63 3.2 – nd nd nd 60 24
Jat Punti 4.01 1.29 nd 0.15 nd 13 a 4a 9a 27 a 49 a 54
Darkina 12.5 6.31 nd 0.84 nd 100 a 63 a 48 a 433 a 381 a 660
Boro Kholisha 5.55 3.13 2.1 0.12 nd 11 a 5a 5a 34 a 14 a 46
Guchi 2.47 2.29 nd 0.11 nd 110 a 1a 14 a 9a 133 a 78
Meni, Bheda 0.90 0.78 – 0.36 3.5 – nd nd 36 61 60
Taki 1.60 nd nd 0.14 nd 22 a 9a 13 a 84 a 104 a 139
Koi 2.38 1.19 nd nd 11.4 74 a 61 a 30 a 163 a 171 a 295
Chela 5.64 4.00 nd 0.11 nd 21 a 25 a 9a 90 a 45 a 132
Kajuli, Bashpata 4.1 0.091 – 0.28 2.9 – nd nd 37 nd 37
Tengra 3.5 0.19 – 0.23 10 – nd nd nd 29 12
Foli 2.0 0.70 – 0.64 18 – nd nd nd nd nd
Chapila 6.99 4.92 nd nd nd nd a 1a 21 a 9a 136 a 73
Baim 1.72 1.30 0.76 nd nd 5a 1a 5a 1a 51 a 27
Mola (cultured) 5.9 3.0 – 0.91 4.3 – 44 42 340 4590 2226
Magur 4.83 nd nd 0.13 9.4 64 a 4a 8a 7a 15 a 25
Tara Baim 5.20 nd nd 0.17 nd 135 a 2a 15 a 16 a 120 a 83
Dhela 4.7 0.14 – 0.24 6.6 – 15 68 28 2130 918
Mola 7.98 2.03 2.9 0.27 nd nd a nd a 460 a 323 a 4990 a 2503
Shing 12.8 nd nd 0.34 nd 45 a 5a 11 a 11 a 22 a 32
Kachki 3.55 1.5 nd 0.09 nd 15 a 2a 30 a 14 a 122 a 78
Chanda 6.42 11.9 nd 0.18 nd 43 a 14 a 51 a 128 a 433 a 336
Kuli, Bhut Bailla 1.4 22 – 0.55 3.7 – nd nd 37 nd 37
Gutum 8.75 nd nd 0.19 nd 25 a 1a 9a 17 a 131 a 76
Bele, Bailla 2.1 1.6 – 0.17 6.7 – nd nd 18 nd 18
Kakila 2.89 1.4 0.66 0.40 9.2 56 a 9a 12 a 54 a 53 a 91
Ekthute 3.0 2.4 – 0.65 11 – 18 nd 84 nd 98
a Data were published by Roos et al. [3]. Data without superscript were published by Bogard et al. [21]. µg RAE,
the activity of retinol equivalent. –, data that are not available. nd, not detected.

3.3.2. Vitamin B12

Food derived from animals, including fish and shellfish, is a good source of vitamin
B12, which is essential for cell division, blood formation, DNA formation, nerve function,
etc. It is a highly complex essential vitamin chemically known as Cobalamin. The vitamin
B12 content of the above-mentioned small fish ranged from 0.90 to 12.8 µg per 100 g, and
their analytical methods varied [21]. The highest amount was found in Shing fish and the
lowest in Meni and Bheda fish [21]. A total of 22% of adult women are vitamin B12 deficient,
with negative effects on their health, neural development, and function, which has drawn
special attention in the public health sector nationally [49]. As the whole source of vitamin
B12 is animal-based, in the context of Bangladesh, small fish can play a very important and
increasing role in meeting its deficiency and maintaining a proper diet chart [50].

3.3.3. Vitamin D
Naturally-produced vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is found in animals. It is stated that
only zooplankton and microalgae are considered plankton sources of vitamin D2, and fish
eat these as a part of their diet [51]. Several studies show that vitamin D helps calcium
and phosphorus absorption, controls infection, reduces inflammation, prevents cancer, etc.
Lack of vitamin D can cause osteoporosis, bone loss, muscle weakness, rickets, etc., [21].
Fish have been considered an excellent source of vitamin D, especially fish oil [44]. Out
of the 28 species, the average value of vitamin D is 6.02 µg. It is undetectable in five
species, i.e., taki, shing, magur, tara Baim, and gutum, and chanda has the highest amount
(11.9 µg/100 g) of vitamin D3 (Table 3). Analysis of vitamin D2 found only four species
with concentrations ranging from 0.66 to 2.9 µg/100 g. Basically, vitamin D2 is obtained
from plant-based food items, especially yeast and fungi; from the data in Table 3 above, it
can be understood that more species in Bangladesh play a role in the vitamin D diet [21].
The main function of this vitamin is calcium homeostasis; it increases the efficiency of
dietary calcium in the body in the intestine. When a sufficient amount of calcium does not
meet the body’s calcium requirement, dissolved calcium accumulates in the body through
the osteoblast and osteoclast tissue [52].
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 224

3.3.4. Vitamin E
Naturally-sourced vitamin E exists in eight chemical forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-,
and delta-tocopherol, and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol. Among all of them,
only alpha-tocopherol, with the highest biological activity, can meet human requirements.
According to the analysis, alpha-tocopherol could not be found in 3 species (koi, chapila,
baim) out of the 28 species tested. It is found to be highest (0.91 µg) in mola and lowest
(0.09 µg) in kachki (Table 3). Vitamin E is involved in immune function, preventing blood
clogging, metabolic process, regulation of gene expression, and activity of protein kinase,
and also increases the expression of two genes [53]. Vitamin E deficiencies cause nerve
impulses, muscle weakness, and the inherited disorder AVED (ataxia and vitamin E defi-
ciency) [54]. From the sources of vitamin E described in Table 3 above, we can understand
that the amount of a-tocopherol obtained using the standard method is very high in some
species of small fish [21]. In contrast, the amount of d-tocopherol was not found in any of
the species analyzed, and the amount of g-tocopherol was found in only two species. They
are Tara baim and Shing with 0.01 and 0.04 IU/100 g, respectively.

3.3.5. Vitamin B9 (Folate)

In the above-mentioned table, maximum vitamin B9 was obtained at 18 µg in Foli and
at a minimum of m 2.9 µg in Bashpata and Kajuli. The required amount of vitamin B9 for
adults is 500–600 µg per day, but, for children, it is 80–150 µg/per day, most of which is
met through the consumption of small fish in the population of Bangladesh [21]. Folate
is a component in various physiological needs, including red blood cell formation, cell
growth and function, RNA and DNA formation, and protein metabolism. A total of 30 to
50 percent of the human body’s cellular folate resides in microconidia [50].

3.4. Minerals
Minerals are essential food components of the human body that are required in min-
imal quantities, but they play a key role in managing various important physical and
biological functions. Minerals can be of two types, micronutrients and macronutrients.
Small fish usually contain a large number of macro minerals such as calcium and phospho-
rus [12]. According to FAO, we can broadly divide food into three categories: 1. cereals,
2. non-staple plant food, and 3. animal and fish products. Cereals are the primary level
of energy among these three types, but they contain very few micronutrients. Basically,
micronutrient-complete foods can be included in non-staple plant food lists. We obtain the
maximum amount of energy, vitamins, minerals, and other air molecules in food from ani-
mal and fish products. Small indigenous fish species from inland water bodies are not only
a source of protein but also a large storehouse of various minerals (Table 4), micronutrients,
and macronutrients [49,55].
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 225

Table 4. Several SIS are found in nearby tiny or shallow freshwater lakes and contain various
nutritional trace elements (as micronutrients) (mg/100 g raw edible parts).

Nutrient Presence in 100 g Raw Fish

Small Indigenous
Fish Species (SIS) Fe Zn Ca I Se P Mg Na K Mn S Cu
(mg) (mg) (mg) (µg) (µg) (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg) (mg)
Tit Punti 3.4 a 3.8 a 1480 a 19 10 a – 47 a 61 a 187 a – – –
Rani, Bou 2.5 4.0 1300 25 31 820 45 48 160 1.5 170 0.094
Jat Punti 2.2 a 2.9 a 1042 a 20 9.5 a – 39 a 53 a 203 a – – –
Darkina 12 a 4.0 a 891 a 81 12 a – 38 a 110 a 200 a – –
Boro Kholisha 4.1 2.3 1700 20 26 910 44 61 210 2.0 190 0.046
Guchi 2.7 a 1.3 a 491 a 19 45 a – 34 a 52 a 294 a – – –
Meni, Bheda 0.84 1.6 1300 13 29 810 44 68 250 1.4 210 0.029
Taki 1.8 a 1.5 a 766 a 18 15 a – 35 a 47 a 260 a – – –
Koi 0.87 0.60 85 nd 19 160 21 31 260 0.052 190 0.052
Chela 0.84 4.7 1000 19 32 590 39 28 85 0.60 170 0.052
Kajuli, Bashpata 0.82 1.2 110 7.1 27 140 22 26 130 0.17 200 0.059
Tengra 4.0 a 3.1 a 1093 a 28 24 a – 36 a 57 a 203 a – – –
Foli 1.7 1.6 230 nd 22 270 34 53 280 0.078 260 0.058
Chapila 7.6 a 2.1 a 1063 a 13 13.4 a – 41 a 57 a 281 a – – –
Baim 1.9 a 1.1 a 449 a 13 12 a – 35 a 47 a 322 a – – –
Mola (cultured) 19 4.2 1400 33 19 700 49 31 58 1.9 160 0.047
Magur 1.2 0.74 59 22 22 210 26 61 350 0.021 180 0.050
Tara Baim 2.5 a 1.2 a 457 a 13 15 a – 34 a 46 a 290 a – – –
Dhela 1.8 3.7 1200 9.5 29 660 39 37 110 0.60 170 0.046
Mola 5.7 a 3.2 a 853 a 17 5a – 35 a 39 a 152 a – – –
Shing 2.2 1.1 60 nd 31 220 37 54 300 0.038 230 0.057
Kachki 2.8 a 3.1 a 476 a 6.0 7.5 a – 26 a 38 a 134 a – – –
Chanda 2.1 a 2.6 a 1153 a 24 22 a – 45 a 61 a 206 a – – –
Kuli, Bhut Bailla 0.79 2.0 980 31 49 580 39 55 190 0.29 210 0.030
Gutum 3.3 2.5 950 16 36 650 57 45 240 0.46 190 0.054
Bele, Bailla 2.3 2.1 790 25 31 520 38 56 210 2.3 200 0.030
Kakila 0.65 1.9 610 37 29 450 35 49 190 0.47 240 0.046
Estate 1.5 3.6 1300 11 28 770 51 52 140 0.73 240 0.030
Golsha 1.8 1.3 120 13 41 180 26 33 210 0.22 220 0.039
Modhu Pabda 0.46 0.90 91 7.0 27 150 23 47 230 0.073 190 0.042
aData were published by Roos et al. [5]. Data without superscript were published by Bogard et al. [21]. –, data
are not available. nd, not detected.

The presence of a standard amount of these minerals (e.g., copper, zinc, selenium,
iodine, magnesium, iron, cobalt, and chromium) in the diet is essential for human health.
A lack of sufficient amounts of minerals causes many diseases in the human body. For
example, calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis and bone loss [56]; lack of zinc causes
immune dysfunction, growth inhibition, and sexual dysfunction. The deficiency of iron
and copper causes diseases such as anemia [57]. Not only can food intake meet all the
physiological needs of the human body, but a sufficient supply of minerals is essential for
its full functioning [58]. Currently, various minerals are commercially available within the
market, but their absorption levels and solubility are very low. Required health of minerals
is shown in Figure 5.

3.4.1. Iron
From the data of Bogard et al. [21], we can see that three species (chapila, darkina,
and mola) can meet 25% of the RNI for PLW by having iron contents that range from
0.46 to 19 mg/100 g. Compared to wild mola fish (5 mg/100 g), cultivated mola has
been found to have a significantly greater iron content (19 mg/100 g). Analyses of iron
content may reveal systematic variations or actual variations in iron buildup among various
species depending on the context. The data provided here suggest that a number of locally
endemic tiny fish species may considerably contribute to the consumption of iron, the
most essential trace element in the diet in Bangladesh, which has a high bioavailability
as foods derived from animals [59]. It is found in every body cell of vertebrates. It is
crucial for many processes, including biochemical ones, reactions involving the transfer of
electrons, the control of genes, the movement of oxygen, and the growth, regulation, and
differentiation of cells [60]. Iron’s primary function in the body is to produce hemoglobin
for red blood cells, which contains heme in its pure form (Figure 6). The molecule known
as hemoglobin transports oxygen to tissues and removes carbon dioxide from cells [12].
It is well known that the Fe-containing enzyme hydrogen peroxidase reacts with reactive
 A lack of sufficient amounts of minerals causes many diseases in the human body.
example, calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis and bone loss [56]; lack of zinc cau
immune dysfunction, growth inhibition, and sexual dysfunction. The deficiency of i
and copper
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 causes diseases such as anemia [57]. Not only can food intake meet 226 all
physiological needs of the human body, but a sufficient supply of minerals is essentia
its full functioning [58]. Currently, various minerals are commercially available within
compounds produced as byproducts of oxygen metabolism. Non-heme, iron-content
market, but their absorption levels
enzymes including anddehydrogenase,
succinate solubility nicotinamide
are very low. Required
adenine dinucleotidehealth
(NADH) of mi
dehydrogenase,
als is shown in Figure 5. and xanthine oxidase aid in energy metabolism. These enzymes are found
in iron-sulfur cluster proteins [60].

Figure 5. Average mineral requirements for the human body [21].

Figure 5. Average mineral requirements for the human body [21].
3.4.2. Zinc
Zinc is essential to maintaining good health because it involves more than 200 en-
3.4.1. Iron zymatic reactions in catabolic processes, immune response, wound healing, and sexual
maturation [12] (Figure 6). Indigenous species of fish carry Zn in high concentrations.
From the dataTheofzinc
Bogard et [Link]
concentration [21],fromwe can0.60see
about that
to 4.7 three
mg/100 g inspecies (chapila,
fish and seafoods [61]. dark
and mola) can meet 25%theofspecies,
Among the RNI for PLW
four species, chela,by having
mola, darkina,iron contents
and rani, meet 25%that of therange
RNI for from
PLWs, and only chela and mola meet 25% of the RNI standard for infants. In addition, six
to 19 mg/100 g. Compared to wild
naturally-occurring mola
species, dhela,fish (5 mg/100
ekthute, g), and
kachki, mola, cultivated
Ttengra, fillmola
20 to 25has been fo
percent
to have a significantly
of RNIs,greater iron
and darkina, content
dhela, ekthute,(19
mola,mg/100 g). rani
tit punti, and Analyses of of
fill 20 to 25% iron
RNIscontent
for m
infants [21]. According to recent studies, 57% of women and 44% of preschool children
reveal systematic variations or actual variations in iron buildup among various spe
in the total population of Bangladesh suffer from zinc deficiency, which has become a
depending on the national
context. The
concern data
[62]. provided
SIS are here
rich in zinc, so suggest
they can easily be that
added a to number
diet plans to of
meetlocally
zinc requirements. Zinc is a core element in various genetic processes, including DNA
demic tiny fish species may considerably contribute to the consumption of iron, the m
formation and replication and cell division and growth [58].
essential trace element in the diet in Bangladesh, which has a high bioavailability as fo
derived from animals [59]. It is found in every body cell of vertebrates. It is crucial
many processes, including biochemical ones, reactions involving the transfer of electr
the control of genes, the movement of oxygen, and the growth, regulation, and differe
ation of cells [60]. Iron’s primary function in the body is to produce hemoglobin for
blood cells, which contains heme in its pure form (Figure 6). The molecule known as
moglobin transports oxygen to tissues and removes carbon dioxide from cells [12].
well known that the Fe-containing enzyme hydrogen peroxidase reacts with reactive c
pounds produced as byproducts of oxygen metabolism. Non-heme, iron-content enzy
including succinate dehydrogenase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) de
drogenase, and xanthine oxidase aid in energy metabolism. These enzymes are foun
iron-sulfur cluster proteins [60].
 population of Bangladesh suffer from zinc deficiency, which has become a nati
cern [62]. SIS are rich in zinc, so they can easily be added to diet plans to mee
quirements. Zinc is a core element in various genetic processes, including DNA f
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 227
and replication and cell division and growth [58].

Figure 6. Bioactivity of different minerals in the human body [63] Small fish contain several miner-
Figure 6. Bioactivity of different minerals in the human body [63] Small fish contain seve
als [64] that are helpful for human health.
als [64] that are helpful for human health.
3.4.3. Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body that makes up 1.5–2.0 percent of the
3.4.3. Calcium total body weight. As 99% of the body’s bones are composed of calcium, the major function
Calcium isof calcium is to maintain healthy bones, teeth, or components related to these (Figure 6).
the most abundant mineral in the body that makes up 1.5–2.0 p
Scientists suggest that one should consume 100 mg of calcium per day [21]. This trend is
the total body also
weight. Ascalcium
seen in the 99%content
of the body’s
of the 29 speciesbones areabove,
in the table composed of calcium,
with an average value t
of 879.5 mg. Since SIS are consumed whole with bones, calcium is considered a highly
function of calcium
availableis to maintain
dietary food item for healthy
humans [17,43]. bones, teeth,
According to theor components
report, 550,000 childrenrelated
(Figure 6). Scientists suggest
suffered from that
rickets due one should
to calcium deficiencyconsume
in 2008, and, 100 mg ofstudies,
from various calciumtwo per
sub-discs of Bangladesh, especially women and children, do not have enough calcium
This trend is also seen
in their dailyindiet
the calcium
[65,66]. content
Although, of the
in developed 29 species
countries, there is a in the
trend table
to meet the above
average value of 879.5
demand [Link]
for most SIScalcium-containing
the calcium are consumed whole
products, with bones,
in developing countries calcium
such i
as Bangladesh, it is challenging to meet this demand for dairy products. Therefore, the
ered a highly available
importance of dietary
small fish isfood
immense item forcalcium
in filling humans [17,43].
deficiency According
[9]. The contribution of to th
550,000 children suffered from rickets due to calcium deficiency in 2008, and, from
studies, two sub-discs of Bangladesh, especially women and children, do not hav
calcium in their daily diet [65,66]. Although, in developed countries, there is a
meet the demand for most of the calcium calcium-containing products, in de
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 228

calcium to muscle contraction, relaxation, normal heart rhythm, fatty acid oxidation, nerve
function, and as a carrier of ATP in mitochondria is irreplaceable [50].

3.4.4. Iodine
The iodine content of food typically depends on its environmental conditions. Marine
fish are rich in iodine. The average iodine content of small freshwater fish is 43.6 µg/100 g;
the highest value is 81 µg/100 g in darkina, and the lowest is 6 µg/100 g in kachki fish.
In the table above, the amount of iodine could not be detected in these three fish: koi,
shing and foli [21]. Iodine plays an essential role in regulating the biochemical functions of
the human body, maintaining hormone levels, and maintaining the release of thyroxine
hormone to support the body’s metabolism (Figure 6). Currently, the economic importance
of iodine has appeared beyond the function of the human body. Its commercial demand
is increasing as various pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, photography elements, and feed
supplements [12].

3.4.5. Selenium
Selenium is a critical trace mineral that plays a vital part in enzymatic contrast, an-
tioxidant and catalyst generation, cellular production, immunological function, fertility,
etc (Figure 6). Selenium is also needed to develop human skin, hair, and nails. In the
human body, selenium exists in two different forms: inorganic forms, which are free of
amino acids, and organic forms, which are bound to amino acids. Small fish should be
consumed frequently by everyone, but especially by individuals with thyroid issues. Small
fish contain selenium, which enhances thyroid function. Selenium aids in preventing cancer,
cardiovascular disease, thyroid problems, oxidative damage, lowering inflammation, and
preventing artery aggregation [12]. The amount of selenium in the environment, particu-
larly in the soil and water where it grows, often varies. Selenium is typically found in fish
eggs [21]. According to FAO reports, the selenium level in small fish typically ranges from
5 to 49 µg/100 g.

3.4.6. Other Minerals

Phosphorus is a body’s electrolyte that maintains an electric charge and is essential for
structural components of nucleotide coenzymes. Phosphate is a building block necessary
for teeth and bone formation and energy production [50]. Phosphorus ranged from 140
to 190 mg/100 g in the edible parts, including bones in small fish species, reported by
FAO [21]. Phosphorus content is measured either spectrophotometrically or by ICP-ACE.
Magnesium ranged between 21 and 57 mg/100 g obtained from the whole fish body. It is a
critical intracellular divalent cation that is essential for protein synthesis, cell replication,
energy metabolism, muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and so on [50]. About 50–70%
of the fish Mg was located in skeletal tissue and scales. The sodium concentration of fish
varied between 26 mg and 110 mg/100 g, which was generally similar to other SIS reports.
The required amount of sodium ions mentioned in Figure 5 is 90 g in the human body. In
a constrained level, the noticeable dimensions of fine scheelite with its floatation value
rise according to the variation of energy input, the size distribution of fine scheelite shifts
from unimodal to bimodal [67]. The potassium level of fish varied from 58–350 mg/100 g,
which was generally comparable with other reports of small indigenous fish. According to
the committee, a fair amount of research shows a link between potassium consumption
and adult blood pressure decrease, which consequently affects their risk of coronary heart
disease and stroke. Additionally, there is growing documentation that sufficient digestible
potassium has a preventive impact against kidney stone formation and age-related bone
loss. The manganese level of fish was 0.021–2.3 mg/100 g, which was generally similar to
values noted previously by small indigenous fish species. General activities of manganese
on health by gluconeogenesis and the impact on cofactors of numerous enzymes are
involved in carbohydrate metabolism [50]. The concentration of sulfur in the fish varied
from 160–260 mg/100 g, which was generally comparable with other reports of small
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 229

indigenous fish. The increasing levels of primary and secondary metabolites, H2 O2 , and
malondialdehyde (MDA) were found both in the roots and the leaves, indicating that
the growth was negatively impacted by oxidative stress and that the antioxidant defense
system was insufficiently able to maintain the redox equilibrium of the cell [68]. The copper
level of fish varied from 0.029 mg to 0.094 mg/100 g, substantially in line with other reports
of small indigenous fish. An important cofactor of the mitochondrial respiratory chain
enzyme, cytochrome-C-oxidase, is involved in iron metabolism [50]. Nearly every species
had indistinguishable levels of chromium. There is an exception of cultivated mola, which
had extremely low quantities of chromium of 0.027 mg/100 g, which was also compatible
with information from other sources. People who exercise vigorously have been observed
to have increased urine levels of chromium. The health impact potentiates insulin activity,
boosting glucose absorption by the cells [50].

4. Possible Utilization of SIS in Future Foods

Small indigenous species (SIS) of fish can be used to encourage the consumption of
micronutrient-rich fish species, particularly in vulnerable population groups such as young
children, pregnant and lactating women, the sick, and the elderly. To enhance the intake of
animal-sourced meals by women and children, it is therefore immensely advantageous to
include small fish species that are rich in micronutrients in the development and execution
of agricultural policy decisions and programs. Data from Bangladesh authenticate this
method. According to the Nutrition Surveillance project by Helen Keller International in
2000, data on the consumption of four nutrient-rich foods (egg, fish, green leafy vegeta-
bles, and lentils) were collected twice a month on more than 51,000 rural children aged
12–59 months [8]. The most often consumed food was fish, while lentils and vegetables
were only consumed once every two days, and more than 60% of children had not had an
egg. Due to the availability and rising consumption rates of small fish, they offer excellent
prospects for ready products and are also more affordable than other sources of protein
(Figure 7).
Additionally, even though more than 90% of homes claimed to have chickens, other
family members seldom ate eggs [69]. In 2005, mothers of children under the age of five in
rural Bangladesh showed a pattern of food recurrence intake. In terms of the recurrence
of intake of food, green leafy vegetables, eggs, lentils, milk, fruits, poultry, and beef were
consumed less frequently than fish, which was the second most popular food after rice.
For instance, many studies show that fermentation is an age-old, conventional process
that adapts the perishability of fish with shellfish. Various products of shidal include
a lot of protein and essential amino acids. Due to the widespread protein insufficiency
among Bangladeshis, a close combination of two distinct shidals manufactured from punti
(Puntius sophore), and darkina (Esomus danricus) will be very efficient in solving the lack
of affordable protein by increasing its availability. Concurrently, by expanding shidal
industrial output, job possibilities can be generated [14]. The Dermestes sp. bug invasion
was successfully resisted by the preservation and processing of dry SIS, neem, and turmeric
pesticides that had been used to control pests and received outstanding and suitable scores
for essence, shade, and taste [70]. Suppressing the dermestid beetle in both the refining
and storage of dry fish can employ unprocessed turmeric and neem dust, which might be
an excellent alternative to dangerous chemical pesticides [71]. An illustration of families
participating in a highly effective intervention of poultry production reported producing
eggs and chickens. In line with expectations, the intervention group’s families produced
much more eggs and chickens than those receiving no assistance. Small indigenous fish
were identified as the second most favored item of food by women to purchase when
family earnings rose. According to the recorded data, fruits scored first, followed by the
leafy vegetables in third place, and two items derived from animals, namely milk and
meat, in fourth and fifth place [72]. All findings indicate that there is significant room to
boost the intake of small indigenous species of fish, a popular cuisine in Bangladesh and
 thenticate this method. According to the Nutrition Surveillance project by Helen Keller
International in 2000, data on the consumption of four nutrient-rich foods (egg, fish, green
leafy vegetables, and lentils) were collected twice a month on more than 51,000 rural chil-
dren aged 12–59 months [8]. The most often consumed food was fish, while lentils and
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 230
vegetables were only consumed once every two days, and more than 60% of children had
not had an egg. Due to the availability and rising consumption rates of small fish, they
offer excellent prospects for ready products and are also more affordable than other
maybe other developing nations, which is rich in bioavailability and numerous nutrients
sources of protein (Figure 7).
with micronutrients.

Figure 7. Utilization
Figure ofofSIS
7. Utilization SISfor
forhuman welfare.
human welfare.

5. Implication of This Review Work

Additionally, even though more than 90% of homes claimed to have chickens, other
The accumulated findings of this study provide up-to-date information on the nutri-
family members seldom ate eggs [69]. In 2005, mothers of children under the age of five
tional composition of SIS, which will help the experts in the relevant fields, owing to the
in rural Bangladesh
improved country’sshowed a pattern
diet guidelines andofnutrition
food recurrence intake. In terms
security. Developing of the
countries recurrence
such as
of intake of food,
Bangladesh run green
severalleafy vegetables,
nutrition-based eggs, lentils,
programs milk,
to ensure fruits,diet
a healthy poultry,
for theirand beef were
people,
consumed less
especially frequently
in rural and poorthan fish, which
households. Thewas the second
policymakers mostprograms,
of these popular as food
wellafter
as rice.
For public health
instance, practitioners
many studiesand nutrition
show experts, can take
that fermentation isnecessary action
an age-old, to improve theprocess
conventional
thatnutritional
adapts the composition of the
perishability ofdining tables
fish with of general
shellfish. people by
Various creatingof
products anshidal
awareness of a lot
include
the nutritional quality of SIS.
of protein and essential amino acids. Due to the widespread protein insufficiency among
The nutritional quality of the raw SIS has been explored; however, further exploration
of the fate of nutrients after cooking is still necessary. The data available in the databases
cannot show how much the human body can absorb nutrients such as vitamins after
processing the existing cuisine techniques in Bangladesh.
Nutritious food items such as fish are always at the attention of global healthy diet
industries [20]. Bangladesh is one of the significant contributors to the world’s aqua foods
sector. We believe this study can help to popularize its highly nutritious SIS all over
the globe.

6. Conclusions
It has been determined that several SIS might dramatically increase the RNIs for certain
nutrients essential to public health. In the present decades, SIS is playing an essential role in
the food sector, which is important for nutritional security in Bangladesh. The information
provided here demonstrates that SIS have a substantially larger perspective to contribute to
the micronutrient consumption of susceptible populations in Bangladesh. This is probably
a result because small indigenous fishes are typically eaten entirely, including the head
and bones. Moreover, the nutritional makeup of the various small indigenous species of
fish described here is to encourage a more comprehensive nutrient consumption. This
study concentrated the data available on the SIS in the context of Bangladesh, which will
help to create a strategic plan for better utilization of these fish species. This study will
give a direction for future research to focus on their processing and preservation with
modern techniques.
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 231

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, V.C.R.; methodology, V.C.R., M.R.I., M.Y. and S.S.; soft-
ware, M.R.I., M.Y. and S.S.; validation, V.C.R., M.R.I., M.Y. and S.S.; formal analysis, V.C.R.; investiga-
tion, M.R.I., M.Y. and S.S.; resources, V.C.R.; data curation, M.R.I., M.Y. and S.S.; writing—original
draft preparation, V.C.R., M.R.I., M.Y., S.S., A.R.H. and M.S.A.; writing—review and editing, V.C.R.;
visualization, V.C.R.; supervision, V.C.R.; All authors have read and agreed to the published version
of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: All data shown within the manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References
1. Aziz, M.S.B.; Hasan, N.A.; Mondol, M.M.R.; Alam, M.M.; Haque, M.M. Decline in fish species diversity due to climatic and
anthropogenic factors in Hakaluki Haor, an ecologically critical wetland in northeast Bangladesh. Heliyon 2021, 7, e05861.
[CrossRef] [PubMed]
2. Kostori, F.A.; Parween, S.; Islam, M.N. Availability of small indigenous species (SIS) of fish in the Chalan Beel-the largest wetland
of Bangladesh. Univ. J. Zool. Rajshahi Univ. 2011, 30, 67–72. [CrossRef]
3. Roos, N.; Leth, T.; Jakobsen, J.; Thilsted, S.H. High vitamin A content in some small indigenous fish species in Bangladesh:
Perspectives for food-based strategies to reduce vitamin A deficiency. Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2002, 53, 425–437. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
4. Roos, N.; Mazharul Islam, M.; Thilsted, S.H. Small fish is an important dietary source of vitamin A and calcium in rural
Bangladesh. Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2003, 54, 329–339. [CrossRef]
5. Roos, N.; Islam, M.M.; Thilsted, S.H. Small indigenous fish species in Bangladesh: Contribution to vitamin A, calcium and iron
intakes. J. Nutr. 2003, 133, 4021S–4026S. [CrossRef]
6. Bogard, J. The Contribution of Fish to Nutrition and Food Security: Informing the Evidence Base for Agricultural Policy in
Bangladesh. Ph.D. Thesis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 3 November 2017.
7. Belton, B.; van Asseldonk, I.J.M.; Thilsted, S.H. Faltering fisheries and ascendant aquaculture: Implications for food and nutrition
security in Bangladesh. Food Policy 2014, 44, 77–87. [CrossRef]
8. Thilsted, S. The potential of nutrient-rich small fish species in aquaculture to improve human nutrition and health. In Proceedings
of the Global Conference on Aquaculture 2010, Phuket, Thailand, 22–25 September 2010; pp. 57–73.
9. Belton, B.; Thilsted, S.H. Fisheries in transition: Food and nutrition security implications for the global South. Glob. Food Secur.
2014, 3, 59–66. [CrossRef]
10. Kongsbak, K.; Thilsted, S.H.; Wahed, M.A. Effect of consumption of the nutrient-dense, freshwater small fish Amblypharyngodon
mola on biochemical indicators of vitamin A status in Bangladeshi children: A randomised, controlled study of efficacy. Br. J.
Nutr. 2008, 99, 581–597. [CrossRef]
11. Thilsted, S.H.; Roos, N.; Hassan, N. The role of small indigenous fish species in food and nutrition security in Bangladesh. Naga
ICLARM Q. 1997, 20, 82–84.
12. Mohanty, B.; Pati, M.K.; Bhattacharjee, S.; Hajra, A.; Sharma, A. Small Indigenous Fishes and Their Importance in Human Health.
In Advances in Fish Research; Narendra Publishing House: Delhi, India, 2013; pp. 257–278.
13. Tacon, A.G.; Metian, M. Fish matters: Importance of aquatic foods in human nutrition and global food supply. Rev. Fish. Sci. 2013,
21, 22–38. [CrossRef]
14. Faridullah, M.; Roy, V.C.; Begam, H.; Nushy, N.H.; Ashrafullah, M.; Talha, M.A.; Rana, M.M. Assessment of Physicochemical,
Nutritional and Biochemical Properties of “Shidal” Processed from Two Different Species of SIS Available in Bangladesh. Middle
East J. Sci. Res. 2022, 30, 40–48.
15. Mazumder, D.; Lorenzen, K. Developing aquaculture of small native species (SNS) in Bangladesh: Village level agroecological
change and the availability of SNS. Naga ICLARM Q. 1999, 22, 20–23.
16. Bayen, S.; Sinha, A.; Aftabuddin, M.; Roy, A.; Parida, P.; Ghosh, A.; Das, B. Developing mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) based fish
culture practices for addressing livelihood and nutritional security of rural populace of Indian Sundarban. J. Entomol. Zool. Stud.
2020, 8, 7880.
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 232

17. Roos, N.; Wahab, M.A.; Chamnan, C.; Thilsted, S.H. The role of fish in food-based strategies to combat vitamin A and mineral
deficiencies in developing countries. J. Nutr. 2007, 137, 1106–1109. [CrossRef]
18. Siekmann, J.H.; Allen, L.H.; Bwibo, N.O.; Demment, M.W.; Murphy, S.P.; Neumann, C.G. Animal source foods to improve
micronutrient nutrition and human function in developing countries. J. Nutr. 2003, 133, 3972S–3980S. [CrossRef]
19. Dey, M.M.; Surathkal, P. Value chains in aquaculture and fisheries in Bangladesh. In Transforming Agriculture in South Asia;
Routledge: Abingdon-on-Thames, UK, 2020; pp. 195–210.
20. Banna, M.H.A.; Al Zaber, A.; Rahman, N.; Siddique, M.A.M.; Siddique, M.A.B.; Hagan, J.E., Jr.; Rifat, M.; Nsiah-Asamoah, C.N.A.;
Seidu, A.-A.; Ahinkorah, B.O. Nutritional Value of Dry Fish in Bangladesh and Its Potential Contribution to Addressing
Malnutrition: A Narrative Review. Fishes 2022, 7, 240. [CrossRef]
21. Bogard, J.R.; Thilsted, S.H.; Marks, G.C.; Wahab, M.A.; Hossain, M.A.; Jakobsen, J.; Stangoulis, J. Nutrient composition of
important fish species in Bangladesh and potential contribution to recommended nutrient intakes. J. Food Compos. Anal. 2015, 42,
120–133. [CrossRef]
22. Khalili Tilami, S.; Sampels, S. Nutritional value of fish: Lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Rev. Fish. Sci. Aquac. 2018, 26,
243–253. [CrossRef]
23. Hossain, M.; Ahmed, Z.; Leunda, P.; Roksanul Islam, A.; Jasmine, S.; Oscoz, J.; Miranda, R.; Ohtomi, J. Length–weight and
length–length relationships of some small indigenous fish species from the Mathabhanga River, southwestern Bangladesh.
J. Appl. Ichthyol. 2006, 22, 301–303. [CrossRef]
24. Saha, M.K.; Barman, B.K. A Strategy on increase production and marketing of Mola and other Small Indigenous Species of Fish
(SIS) in Bangladesh. In The WorldFish Center Working Papers; WorldFish: Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2020.
25. Dey, M.M.; Garcia, Y.T.; Praduman, K.; Piumsombun, S.; Haque, M.S.; Li, L.; Radam, A.; Senaratne, A.; Khiem, N.T.; Koeshendra-
jana, S. Demand for fish in Asia: A cross-country analysis. Aust. J. Agric. Resour. Econ. 2008, 52, 321–338. [CrossRef]
26. Nurhasan, M.; Maehre, H.K.; Malde, M.K.; Stormo, S.K.; Halwart, M.; James, D.; Elvevoll, E.O. Nutritional composition of aquatic
species in Laotian rice field ecosystems. J. Food Compos. Anal. 2010, 23, 205–213. [CrossRef]
27. Burke, T.J.; Segrin, C. Examining diet- and exercise-related communication in romantic relationships: Associations with health
behaviors. Health Commun. 2014, 29, 877–887. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
28. Thilsted, S.H.; Thorne-Lyman, A.; Webb, P.; Bogard, J.R.; Subasinghe, R.; Phillips, M.J.; Allison, E.H. Sustaining healthy diets: The
role of capture fisheries and aquaculture for improving nutrition in the post-2015 era. Food Policy 2016, 61, 126–131. [CrossRef]
29. Aditya, G.; Pal, S.; Saha, G. An assessment of fish species assemblages in rice fields in West Bengal, India: Implications for
management. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 2010, 26, 535–539. [CrossRef]
30. Manna, R.; Bhattacharjya, B. Incorporation of new construction material into indigenous technological knowledge—A case study
of V shaped fish trap of eastern India. Indian J. Tradit. Knowl. 2009, 8, 548–550.
31. Samajdar, I.; Saikia, S.K. Traditional fishing gears of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. Indian J. Tradit. Knowl. 2014, 13, 187–194.
32. Hossain, M.Y. Morphometric relationships of length-weight and length-length of four Cyprinid small indigenous fish species
from the Padma River (NW Bangladesh). Turk. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2010, 10, 131–134. [CrossRef]
33. Kohinoor, A.; Wahab, M.; Islam, M.; Thilsted, S. Culture potentials of mola (Amblypharyngodon mola), chela (Chela cachius) and
punti (Puntius sophore) under monoculture system. Bangladesh J. Fish Res. 2001, 5, 123–134.
34. Wahab, M.A.; Kunda, M.; Azim, M.E.; Dewan, S.; Thilsted, S.H. Evaluation of freshwater prawn-small fish culture concurrently
with rice in Bangladesh. Aquac. Res. 2008, 39, 1524–1532. [CrossRef]
35. Kunda, M.; Azim, M.E.; Wahab, M.A.; Dewan, S.; Roos, N.; Thilsted, S.H. Potential of mixed culture of freshwater prawn
(Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and self-recruiting small species mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) in rotational rice–fish/prawn culture
systems in Bangladesh. Aquac. Res. 2008, 39, 506–517. [CrossRef]
36. Sinha, A.; Gogoi, P.; Dam Roy, S. Small Indigenous Fish (SIF): Status and Contributions in Nutrition and Livelihood Security of
India: A Review. Agric. Rev. 2022. [CrossRef]
37. Gross, R.; Schoeneberger, H.; Pfeifer, H.; Preuss, H.-J. The four dimensions of food and nutrition security: Definitions and
concepts. SCN News 2000, 20, 20–25.
38. Gopakumar, K. Biochemical Composition of Indian Food Fish; Central Institute of Fisheries Technology: Cochin, India, 1997.
39. Vilain, C.; Baran, E.; Gallego, G.; Samadee, S. Fish and the nutrition of rural Cambodians. Asian J. Agric. Food Sci. 2016, 4, 26–34.
40. Negesse, T.; Tera, A. Effects of feeding different levels of cooked and sun dried fish offal on carcass traits of growing Rhode Island
Red chicks. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 2010, 42, 45–54. [CrossRef]
41. Shantz, E.M.; Brinkman, J.H. Biological activity of pure vitamin A2. J. Biol. Chem. 1950, 183, 467–471. [CrossRef]
42. Grases, F.; Simonet, B.M.; Prieto, R.M.; March, J.G. Dietary phytate and mineral bioavailability. J. Trace Elem. Med. Biol. 2001, 15,
221–228. [CrossRef]
43. Larsen, T.; Thilsted, S.H.; Kongsbak, K.; Hansen, M. Whole small fish as a rich calcium source. Br. J. Nutr. 2000, 83, 191–196.
[CrossRef]
44. Park, J.S.; Kim, S.Y.; Lee, S.C.; Jeong, Y.R.; Roy, V.C.; Rizkyana, A.D.; Chun, B.S. Edible oil extracted from anchovies using supercritical
CO2 : Availability of fat-soluble vitamins and comparison with commercial oils. J. Food Process. Preserv. 2021, 45, e15441. [CrossRef]
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 233

45. West, K.P., Jr. Extent of vitamin A deficiency among preschool children and women of reproductive age. J. Nutr. 2002, 132,
2857S–2866S. [CrossRef]
46. Rice, A.L.; West, K.P., Jr.; Black, R.E. Vitamin A deficiency. In Comparative Quantification of Health Risks: Global and Regional Burden
of Disease Attributable to Selected Major Risk Factors; WHO: Geneva, Switzerland, 2004.
47. Roos, N. Fish Consumption and Aquaculture in Rural Bangladesh: Nutritional Contribution and Production Potential of
Culturing Small Indigenous Fish Species (SIS) in Pond Polyculture with Commonly Cultured Carps. Ph.D. Thesis, The Royal
Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark, 2001.
48. Suo, L.; VanBuren, C.; Hovland, E.D.; Kedishvili, N.Y.; Sundberg, J.P.; Everts, H.B. Dietary Vitamin A Impacts Refractory Telogen.
Front. Cell Dev. Biol. 2021, 9, 571474. [CrossRef]
49. De Benoist, B. Conclusions of a WHO Technical Consultation on folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Food Nutr. Bull. 2008, 29,
S238–S244. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
50. Huskisson, E.; Maggini, S.; Ruf, M. The role of vitamins and minerals in energy metabolism and well-being. J. Int. Med. Res. 2007,
35, 277–289. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
51. Lock, E.J.; Waagbø, R.; Wendelaar Bonga, S.; Flik, G. The significance of vitamin D for fish: A review. Aquac. Nutr. 2010, 16,
100–116. [CrossRef]
52. Holick, M. A Millenium Perspective Vitamin D. J. Cell Biochem. 2003, 88, 296–307. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
53. Martínez-Moneo, E.; Stigliano, S.; Hedström, A.; Kaczka, A.; Malvik, M.; Waldthaler, A.; Maisonneuve, P.; Simon, P.; Capurso, G.
Deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins in chronic pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pancreatology 2016, 16, 988–994.
[CrossRef]
54. Cavalier, L.; Ouahchi, K.; Kayden, H.J.; Di Donato, S.; Reutenauer, L.; Mandel, J.-L.; Koenig, M. Ataxia with isolated vitamin E
deficiency: Heterogeneity of mutations and phenotypic variability in a large number of families. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 1998, 62,
301–310. [CrossRef]
55. Roos, N.; Wahab, M.A.; Hossain, M.A.R.; Thilsted, S.H. Linking human nutrition and fisheries: Incorporating micronutrient-dense,
small indigenous fish species in carp polyculture production in Bangladesh. Food Nutr. Bull. 2007, 28, S280–S293. [CrossRef]
56. Shaalan, A.; El-Sherbiny, M.; El-Abaseri, T.; Shoaeir, M.; Abdel-Aziz, T.M.; Mohamed, M.I.; Zaitone, S.; Mohammad, H.
Supplement with Calcium or Alendronate Suppresses Osteopenia Due to Long Term Rabeprazole Treatment in Female Mice:
Influence on Bone TRAP and Osteopontin Levels. Front. Pharmacol. 2020, 11, 00583. [CrossRef]
57. Wu, W.; He, L.; Liang, Y.; Yue, L.; Peng, W.; Jin, G.; Ma, M. Preparation process optimization of pig bone collagen peptide-calcium
chelate using response surface methodology and its structural characterization and stability analysis. Food Chem. 2019, 284, 80–89.
[CrossRef]
58. Oatley, K. Fiction: Simulation of social worlds. Trends Cogn. Sci. 2016, 20, 618–628. [CrossRef]
59. World Health Organization. Vitamin and Mineral Requirements in Human Nutrition; World Health Organization: Geneva, Switzer-
land, 2004.
60. Lall, S.P.; Kaushik, S.J. Nutrition and metabolism of minerals in fish. Animals 2021, 11, 2711. [CrossRef]
61. Bilandžić, N.; Sedak, M.; Ðokić, M.; Varenina, I.; Kolanović, B.S.; Božić, Ð.; Brstilo, M.; Šimić, B. Determination of zinc
concentrations in foods of animal origin, fish and shellfish from Croatia and assessment of their contribution to dietary intake.
J. Food Compos. Anal. 2014, 35, 61–66. [CrossRef]
62. Rahman, S.; Ahmed, T.; Rahman, A.S.; Alam, N.; Ahmed, A.S.; Ireen, S.; Chowdhury, I.A.; Chowdhury, F.P.; Rahman, S.M. Status
of zinc nutrition in Bangladesh: The underlying associations. J. Nutr. Sci. 2016, 5, e25. [CrossRef]
63. Heard, M.; Chamberlain, A.; Sherlock, J. Uptake of lead by humans and effect of minerals and food. Sci. Total Environ. 1983, 30,
245–253. [CrossRef]
64. Clase, C.M.; Ki, V.; Holden, R.M. Water-Soluble Vitamins in People with Low Glomerular Filtration Rate or On Dialysis: A Review.
Semin. Dial. 2013, 26, 546–567. [CrossRef]
65. Craviari, T.; Pettifor, J.M.; Thacher, T.D.; Meisner, C.; Arnaud, J.; Fischer, P.R.; Group, R.C. Rickets: An overview and future
directions, with special reference to Bangladesh: A summary of the Rickets Convergence Group Meeting, Dhaka, 26–27 January
2006. J. Health Popul. Nutr. 2008, 26, 112.
66. Fischer, P.; Rahman, A.; Cimma, J.-P.; Kyaw-Myint, T.; Kabir, A.; Talukder, K.; Hassan, N.; Manaster, B.; Staab, D.; Duxbury, J.
Nutritional rickets without vitamin D deficiency in Bangladesh. J. Trop. Pediatr. 1999, 45, 291–293. [CrossRef]
67. Chen, W.; Feng, Q.; Zhang, G.; Li, L.; Jin, S. Effect of energy input on flocculation process and flotation performance of fine
scheelite using sodium oleate. Miner. Eng. 2017, 112, 27–35. [CrossRef]
68. Singh, R.; Parihar, P.; Prasad, S.M. Simultaneous exposure of sulphur and calcium hinder As toxicity: Up-regulation of growth,
mineral nutrients uptake and antioxidants system. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 2018, 161, 318–331. [CrossRef]
69. Moestue, H.; De Pee, S.; Hall, A.; Hye, A.; Sultana, N.; Ishtiaque, M.; Huq, N.; Bloem, M. Conclusions about differences in linear
growth between Bangladeshi boys and girls depend on the growth reference used. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 2004, 58, 725–731. [CrossRef]
70. Roy, V.C.; Kamal, M.; Faridullah, M.; Haque, S.A.; Reza, M.S. Influence of salt and herbal substance on the drying and
reconstitution performance of Bombay duck, Harpodon nehereus. J. Fish. 2014, 2, 59–63. [CrossRef]
Hydrobiology 2023, 2 234

71. Lithi, U.J.; Faridullah, M.; Roy, V.C.; Roy, K.C.; Alam, A.N. Efficiency of organic pesticides, turmeric (Curcuma longa) and neem
(Azadirachta indica) against dry fish beetle (Dermestes sp.) during storage condition: Efficiency of organic pesticides against beetle.
J. Bangladesh Agric. Univ. 2019, 17, 110–116. [CrossRef]
72. Nielsen, H.; Roos, N.; Thilsted, S.H. The impact of semi-scavenging poultry production on the consumption of animal source
foods by women and girls in Bangladesh. J. Nutr. 2003, 133, 4027S–4030S. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual
author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to
people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.