The nutritional composition of nine species of fish and three types of shellfish found in Nameuang Village and the capital city of Laos, Vientiane, were analysed to investigate their value as sources of food with the aim of improving nutritional status in rural Laos. These fish, except the Flying fish, had a high protein content (19–20 g/100 g sample) and quality (e.g., lysine content of 1,750–1,870 mg/100 g sample and 93.8– 97.9 mg/g protein). Their protein qualities were endorsed by amino acid score (amino acid score 100). In addition, the “small” group tended to have higher protein content than the “large” group across the fish species. In contrast, the fat content was higher in the “large” group than in the “small” group. Seasonal fluctuations in fat contents in three species, except the Walking catfish, were relevant to the reproductive cycle of the species. These results suggest that aquatic animals have high nutrient quality and are efficient/indispensable food sources for improving the nutritional status of the rural population in Laos.