| Summary: | The aim of this study is to provide information on the proximate composition and caloric value of the Clupeiformes fishes Chirocentrodon bleekerianus, Pellona harroweri, and Lycengraulis grossidens. The specimens were collected between 2007 and 2010 in Northern Rio de Janeiro. The bromatological analysis (protein, lipid, and mineral matter) was performed on composite samples; carbohydrate content and gross energy were calculated from relationships between variables. The fish species were significantly different in size (total length and weight), proximate composition, and gross energy; only the carbohydrate content was similar. The species L. grossidens was represented by larger individuals with higher lipid content, as C. bleekerianus and P. harroweri had the highest percentages of protein and mineral matter, as well as the highest gross energy values. The percentage of protein was directly proportional to the amount of gross energy, as the percentage of lipid showed an inverse relationship with these two variables. This study provides a basis for understanding the food selectivity of marine carnivores in coastal regions and elaborating bioenergetics models.
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