The growth, muscle proximal composition and fatty acid profile of juveniles of Anisotremus scapularis fed with four commercial diets were evaluated. During 106 days, 200 fishes, were distributed in four treatments, fish were fed with commercial diets identified by their protein content: 50% (DF-50), 48% (DM-48), 44% (DT-44) and 40% (DT-40). Biometric evaluations showed that higher growth (P < 0.05), feed-conversion and condition factor were obtained in A. scapularis fed with DM-48. However, both length-weight and food intake-size relationships were similar among dietary treatments. Lower (P < 0.05) protein and higher (P < 0.05) lipid concentrations in muscle of A. scapularis fed with DM-48 and DF-50 were obtained, respectively. Principal component analysis showed a higher correlation between fishes fed with DM-48 and DHA, EPA, and ARA muscle contents as with growth. Our results suggest that the food formulation for juveniles of A. scapularis should include at least 48% protein and significant concentrations of DHA, EPA and ARA for a proper growth of this species.