
Fish muscle, which makes up 15%–25% of the total protein in fish, is a desirable source of protein for humans. Fish muscle proteins are categorised into myofibrillar (50%–60%), sarcoplasmic (30%), and stromal (10%–20%) proteins. Fish muscle is also a source of physiologically active amino acids and various essential nutrients. Fish muscles are tissues that have evolved to control locomotion and posture. Fish have three types of muscles: skeletal, smooth, and heart muscles. Myomeres, which are composed of multinucleated myofibers (contractile cells), are blocks of skeletal muscle tissue arranged in sequence, commonly found in aquatic chordates.
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What You'll Learn

Fish muscle as a protein source
Fish muscle is a rich source of protein, constituting 15-25% of the total protein in fish. It is easily digestible and contains a well-balanced composition of essential amino acids, including Lys, Trp, His, Phe, Leu, Ile, Thr, Met-Cys, and Val. The amino acid content in fish muscle hydrolysates depends on the source of protein, protease, hydrolysis method, hydrolysis conditions, and degree of hydrolysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis is the most popular method for producing bioactive protein hydrolysates, allowing for efficient control of the manufacturing process.
Fish muscle proteins offer several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory, and antimicrobial effects. They are also associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and major depressive disorder, particularly in elderly persons. The consumption of fish muscle protein can help improve muscle mass and protect against diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis. Additionally, fish muscle hydrolysates have high potential added value due to their nutritional benefits and functional properties.
The use of fish and seafood products has increased by approximately 8% in the last 30 years, with an annual consumption of fishery products rising from 71.8 million tons in 1986 to 156.4 million tons in 2018. This growth can be attributed to the continuous supply of fish through aquaculture and captive fisheries. Fish provide more than 3.1 billion people with at least 20% of their average per capita intake of animal protein.
Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and trout are excellent sources of protein and vitamin D. Fish is a versatile protein source that can be prepared in various ways, including baking, grilling, and pan-searing. Certain types of fish, such as cod, have a mild taste and are suitable for those who are not particularly fond of fish. Fish muscle protein hydrolysates have industrial applications in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, contributing to improving human health.
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Fish muscle and human health
Fish muscles are a rich source of proteins, constituting 15%–25% of the total protein content in fish. This makes them a desirable and nutritious food source. Fish muscle proteins can be divided into myofibrillar (50%–60%), sarcoplasmic (30%), and stromal (10%–20%) proteins.
Fish muscle protein hydrolysates and their amino acids are beneficial to human health. They are in high demand nutritionally as functional foods, and their natural availability, low-cost extraction methods, and biological properties make them desirable ingredients. Enzymatic hydrolysis is the most popular method for producing bioactive protein hydrolysates, allowing efficient control of the manufacturing process.
Fish muscle proteins share similarities with mammalian proteins but also exhibit unique characteristics in their biological activity and structural stability. For instance, fish have three types of muscles: skeletal, smooth, and heart muscles, similar to humans. However, fast skeletal myosins in fish have three kinds of light chains (LC1, LC2, and LC3) that differ in molecular weight and function. The physiological function of Essential Light Chains (ELCs) is believed to reinforce the neck region of myosin during muscle contraction.
Research has also linked fish consumption with positive health outcomes. For example, a study found that fish consumption reduced the risk of major depressive disorder among Japanese persons aged 40-69 years. Additionally, fish muscle proteins facilitate muscle movement by contraction, contributing to locomotion and posture control in fish, similar to the function of human muscles.
In summary, fish muscles are a valuable source of protein with potential health benefits for humans. Further research and understanding of fish muscle structure and function can enhance our utilization of this nutritious food source.
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Fish muscle composition
Fish muscle, which makes up about 60% of a fish's body weight, is a rich source of protein, contributing 15-25% of the total protein in fish. It is made up of myofibrillar (50-60%), sarcoplasmic (30%), and stromal (10-20%) proteins. Fish muscle protein is easily digestible and contains a well-balanced amino acid composition, including Lys (8.8%), Trp (1.0%), His (2.0%), Phe (3.9%), Leu (8.4%), Ile (6.0%), Thr (4.6%), Met-Cys (4.0%), and Val (6.0%).
The fillet, or muscle, of a fish consists of two bundles of large lateral muscles that run on both sides of the backbone. A thin connective tissue membrane called "myocommata" divides the fish muscle into muscle blocks known as "myotomes". Each myotome is made up of muscle fibres generally less than 20 mm long and 0.02-1 mm in diameter. Myotomes are composed of 1000-2000 myofibrils, which are small subunits composed of even smaller subunits called sarcomeres.
Myomeres are blocks of skeletal muscle tissue arranged in sequence, commonly found in aquatic chordates. They are composed of multinucleated myofibers (contractile cells), which allow force to be generated via muscle contraction. Myomeres contribute to the propulsive force for locomotion, particularly in bony fish, where they are involved in flexion to produce locomotor force, or the forward swimming motion. Myomeres can also play a role in suction feeding, allowing force to be transmitted to the neurocranium for its elevation.
Fish muscle protein hydrolysates, formed through enzymatic hydrolysis, are in high demand as a functional food due to their nutritional benefits. The hydrolysates contain physiologically active amino acids and essential nutrients, which can vary depending on the protein source, hydrolysis method, conditions, and degree of hydrolysis. The functional properties of these hydrolysates have been improved using gut extracts from various fish species, including catfish, squid, sleek hound, and golden mullet.
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Fish locomotion and muscle
Fish locomotion refers to the various types of animal locomotion used by fish, primarily swimming. Fish swim by exerting force against the surrounding water. They do this by contracting muscles on either side of their body, creating waves of flexion that travel from nose to tail, increasing in size as they go. This results in a net force that pushes the fish forward through the water. The caudal fin provides the raw power for this forward propulsion.
Most fish generate thrust using lateral movements of their body and caudal fin, but some species move mainly using their median and paired fins. The latter group swims slowly but can turn rapidly, which is necessary when living in coral reefs. Fish without gas bladders or stored oils/lipids for buoyancy use dynamic lift instead, positioning their pectoral fins to create lift and maintain depth. However, these fish must keep moving to stay afloat and are unable to swim backward or hover.
The myomeres of fish are blocks of skeletal muscle tissue arranged in sequence and separated by connective tissue called myosepta. Myomeres contribute to the propulsive force for locomotion, causing flexion to either side to produce forward swimming motion. They attach to the centra of vertebrae and neural and haemal spines, allowing control over a large portion of the body. The activation of myomeres depends on the type of swimming or movement—high-intensity movements like fast starts and turning require almost maximal activation, while slower movements require less activation.
Fish muscle accounts for 15-25% of the total protein in fish and is a desirable protein source for humans. It contains essential nutrients and amino acids that have beneficial effects on human health, including potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and major depressive disorder among elderly persons.
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Fish muscle and food
Fish muscles are composed of multinucleated myofibres (contractile cells) that generate force through contraction, transmitted by connective tissues known as myosepta. Myomeres, or blocks of skeletal muscle tissue, make up the majority of the lateral musculature in fish, providing the propulsive force needed for swimming. Myomeres can be V-shaped or W-shaped, with the latter found in sharks and contributing to locomotion. Fish muscle contains 15-25% of the total protein in fish, including myofibrillar, sarcoplasmic, and stromal proteins.
Fish muscle is a valuable source of protein, constituting 60% of the body weight of fish. The hydrolysate from fish muscle is in high demand as a functional food due to its essential amino acids and nutrients. Fish consumption is associated with improved muscle mass and function in middle-aged and older adults, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and major depressive disorder.
Research suggests that fish protein intake increases skeletal muscle weight and handgrip strength. Additionally, fish is a source of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for muscle health. Vitamin D deficiency is a concern in countries like Saudi Arabia, and consuming vitamin D-rich foods like fish can help meet recommended intake levels.
The structure and function of fish muscles share similarities with those of terrestrial animals, including mammals and invertebrates. However, there are unique characteristics in shellfish and aquatic invertebrates that warrant further study. Enzymatic hydrolysis is a popular method for producing bioactive protein hydrolysates, and gut extracts from catfish, squid, and other fish have improved the functional properties of protein hydrolysates.
In summary, fish muscle is a nutritious and functional food with potential health benefits, particularly for muscle health and function. Fish muscle protein hydrolysates and their amino acids are desirable ingredients due to their natural availability and low-cost extraction methods. Further research and understanding of the biochemical and physicochemical properties of fish muscle proteins can enhance the effective utilisation of aquatic bioresources.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle fish is a common term for fish muscle protein hydrolysates, which are a good source of protein and have high nutritional value. They are desirable functional ingredients due to their natural availability and low-cost extraction methods.
Fish muscle contains physiologically active amino acids and various essential nutrients. Research has shown that fish consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases among elderly persons. It is also believed to protect against type 2 diabetes and major depressive disorder.
Fish have three types of muscles: skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, and heart muscles. Skeletal muscles are further categorized into fast and slow skeletal muscles.
Fish muscles control their locomotion and posture. The caudal fin, or tail fin, is the primary appendage used for locomotion in many fishes. It acts like a "propeller" for the fish, while the caudal peduncle acts like a motor.










































