Abstract: This study was conducted to provide a basis for the research and development of the nutrient composition in squid ink between wild and cultured Sepia pharaonis. The moisture, crude ash, crude protein, crude fat, polysaccharide, amino acids, fatty acids and minerals were determined by national standard nutritional method. The results showed as follows: the moisture of wild and cultured Sepia pharaons squid ink was not significantly different (P>0.05), whereas other basic nutrient contents (dry weight basis) were significantly different (P<0.05). The content of polysaccharide was abundant and in wild squid ink (3.25%) with cultured squid ink (29.18%). 4 kinds of constant elements (Na, Ca, K and Mg) and 7 kinds of trace elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Al, Mn, Sr and As) were determined, and 8 kinds of elements showed significant difference (P<0.05) with the exception of Mg, Mn and Al. The trace element (Zn) was high, with cultured squid ink (5.40±0.71)mg/g>with wild squid ink (3.89±0.19)mg/g. In conclusion, cultured Sepia pharaonis squid ink has higher nutritional value, medicinal and health care function, with promising further development.

Key words: squid ink of Sepia pharaonis, wild, cultured, polysaccharide, amino acid, mineral element