ABSTRACT
In order to evaluate the nutritional value of Pilar soft crab (Callinectes bocourt A.) and uçá crab (Ucides cordatus L.), 20 samples of both crustaceans were collected from lagoone-estuary complex Mundaú/Manguaba, located in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. Results from this analysis showed a high levels of moisture (sof crab - 79.82%; crab 78.85%), proteins (soft crab - 17.71; crab - 17.99%) and ash (soft crab - 2.18%; crab - 2,06%), and reduced values of lipids (soft crab - 2.78%; - crab 2.57%). Caloric values reached to 96.0 kcal in soft crab and 95.0 kcal in crab. Cholesterol levels were very low, being 34.65mg/100mg in Pilar soft crab and 35.37mg/100mg in crab-uçá. As for fatty acids contents, the Pilar soft crab presented 37.9% of saturated, 23.2% of monounsaturated and 29.9% of poyunsaturated; while uçá-crab presented 30.0% of saturated, 31.4% of monounsaturated and 34.9% of polyunsturated. In view of these results, both species should be considered a healthy food, and their xonsuption should be stimulated.