Potential new Australian farmed seafood source of omega-3 oils: oil and fatty acid composition of the finfish striped trumpeter (Latris lineata)

The oil and fatty acid content and composition of a potential new Australian aquaculture finfish, striped trumpeter (Latris lineata), were compared for wild and cultured samples. Under the culture conditions and feeding regime used, striped trumpeter raised for periods between two to four years contained medium (2-5%, wet weight) to very high (>10%) levels of oil, higher than for wild specimens (1%). Cultured fish contained moderate to very high levels of the beneficial omega-3 long-chain (≥C 20) polyunsaturated fatty acids, highest amounts of which, reaching 10 200 mg/100 g, were found in one large, mature cultured fish that had not spawned. They are, to our knowledge, the highest concentrations yet recorded globally for any finfish under culture. Further research and development, including a range of culturing trials where diet and other key factors are examined, should be pursued to enhance the oil profile of this species.