A comparative detailed study was carried out on three Nile fish species, namely: Tilapia nilotica, Clarias lazera and Synodon tis schall.
Lipid components were determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC) during the fishing season 1984/1985.
The chromatograms revealed that seven lipid fractions; namely: phospholipids, monoglycerides, cholesterol, diglycerides, free fatty acids, triglycerides and hydrocarbons were identified in the three studied fish species. The statistical analysis indicat ed that there were high significant differences between species in the lipid fractions: phospholipids, triglycerides, cholesterol and hydrocarbons. While, insignificant differences were detected in free fatty acids and monoglycerides between species.
On the other hand, high significant differences between seasons (autumn, winter, spring and summer) were recorded in hydrocar bons, phospholipids, and diglycerides only. While insignificant differences were detected in triglycerides, monoglycerides, and free fatty acids between seasons.