University of Tasmania
Browse
Mayzaud MEPS 1999.pdf (901.74 kB)

Seasonal variations in the lipid and fatty acid composition of the euphausiid Meganyctiphanes norvegica from the Ligurian Sea

Download (901.74 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 12:27 authored by Mayzaud, P, Patti VirtuePatti Virtue, Albessard, E
Lipid and fatty acid composition of the northern krill Meganyctiphanes norvegica from the Mediterranean Sea were studied with respect to sex and season. Detailed composition of the lipid classes is reported for both males and females during the spring reproductive season and the late summer non-reproductive season. Both sexes showed similar lipid structure, with neutral lipids dominated by triacylglycerols. Polar lipids were dominated by phosphatidylcholine. Fatty acid compositions of both polar lipids and triacylglycerols showed little change with sex or season. Polar lipids were dominated by HUFA (20:5n-3 or EPA and 22:6n-3 or DHA) as well as palmitic and oleic acid. Neutral lipid fatty acid profiles were dominated by 22:6(n-3) and palmitic acid, with a significant contribution of oleic, myristic, stearic and vaccenic acids as well as 20:5(n-3). Seasonal changes in total lipids showed maximum accumulation in early summer and minimum levels in early winter. Changes in fatty acid composition appeared related to the succession of populations with varying levels of triacylglycerols, as illustrated by the contrast between the early winter and spring periods in a correspondence analysis. Increased proportions of myristic, palmitoleic and 18:4(n-3) acids during the spring period are characteristic of the triglyceride fraction while the main descriptor of the winter period is DHA, which is the key constituent of the polar lipids. Comparison with literature data illustrated the clear decrease in lipid content of northern krill with latitude and the specific nature of the seasonal pattern recorded in the Ligurian Sea. The regional variability in fatty acid composition and the significance of fatty acids as potential markers of feeding behaviour are discussed in relation to the omnivorous character of M. norvegica.

History

Publication title

Marine Ecology - Progress Series

Volume

186

Pagination

199-210

ISSN

0171-8630

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

Inter-Research

Place of publication

Nordbunte 23, Oldendorf Luhe, Germany, D-21385

Rights statement

Copyright 1999 Inter-Research

Repository Status

  • Open

Socio-economic Objectives

Biodiversity in Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC