This study reports the nutritional profile and antioxidant potential of Sabella spallanzanii and Microcosmus squamiger from Southern Portugal aimed to apply in the aquaculture feed industry. S. spallanzanii has high levels of protein, with the amino acid profile dominated by arginine and glycine. Moderate levels of total lipids were found in the sample. In addition, S. spallanzanii has mineral contents including Na, Ca, K, Fe, Mg and P. The methanol extract of S. spallanzanii shows the ability to chelate copper and iron ions. Besides, low oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value was observed in S. spallanzanii; M. squamiger is also rich in protein and the amino acid taurine. The levels of total lipids are similar to S. spallanzanii. Moreover, in addition to the mineral content of S. spallanzanii, Mn was found in M. squamiger. The methanol extract of M. squamiger is capable to chelate copper ions. The ORAC value was low in M. squamiger. Our results indicated that S. spallanzanii and M. squamiger have great potential as the dietary supplements for fish. On top of that, the metal chelating characteristic could protect the fish from oxidative stress such as heavy metal exposure.
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