To analyze the concentrations of main fatty acids of edible freshwater fish from Dongting Lake.Methods Samples of edible freshwater fish (3-4 samples of each species) were collected from Dongting Lake. Total lipids were extracted and fatty acids were separated and quantified by gas chromatographic. Results Twelve species were collected. The mean contents of total lipids (in from of g/100g edible part) ranged from 1.14 (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) to 7.55 (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). The main saturated, monounsaturated, n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in edible part of majority of species were C16∶0, C18∶1n9, C18∶2n6 and C22∶6n3 (DHA), respectively. The mean concentrations of DHA (in from of mg/100 g edible part) ranged from 19.7 (Monopterus albus) to 358.4 (Leiocassis longirostris). Concentrations of C20∶5n3, C22∶5n3 and DHA was positively correlated with contents of total lipids in edible part, respectively.Conclusion There are significant differences of total lipids contents and of specific fatty acids concentrations among species. Some studied species would be good dietary sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.