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Effect of a carnivorous diet on the lipids, fatty acids and condition of Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba
Citation
Hagen, W and Yoshida, T and Virtue, P and Kawaguchi, S and Swadling, KM and Nicol, S and Nichols, PD, Effect of a carnivorous diet on the lipids, fatty acids and condition of Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, Antarctic Science, 19, (2) pp. 183-188. ISSN 0954-1020 (2007) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1017/S0954102007000259
Abstract
Krill are thought to be predominantly herbivorous, but a heterotrophic diet might be crucial for their growth and survival. To compare the influence of herbivory and carnivory on krill we conducted a nine month feeding trial. We examined lipid composition of the hepatopancreas, abdomen and remaining body portions of krill fed diatoms at bloom condition levels, and diatoms with the addition of pellets or minced clam meat to simulate a partly carnivorous diet. Mortality, dry mass and lipid content were similar among treatments. We examined lipid class and fatty acid profiles, with emphasis placed on the ratio of storage (triacylglycerol) to structural (polar lipid) lipid and key essential omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: 20:5ω3 and 22:6ω3. The triacylglycerol : polar lipid ratio increased in krill fed on the mixed diet as did the 20:5ω3 : 22:6ω3 ratio. Overall these findings indicate that provision of clam in the diet improved krill condition, and further suggest that carnivory may aid krill growth in the wild under certain environmental conditions. © Antarctic Science Ltd.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Research Division: | Earth Sciences |
Research Group: | Oceanography |
Research Field: | Biological oceanography |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Management of Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments |
Objective Field: | Biodiversity in Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments |
UTAS Author: | Yoshida, T (Mr Toshihiro Yoshida) |
UTAS Author: | Virtue, P (Associate Professor Patti Virtue) |
UTAS Author: | Swadling, KM (Associate Professor Kerrie Swadling) |
UTAS Author: | Nicol, S (Dr Stephen Nicol) |
UTAS Author: | Nichols, PD (Dr Peter Nichols) |
ID Code: | 49957 |
Year Published: | 2007 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 16 |
Deposited By: | IASOS |
Deposited On: | 2007-08-01 |
Last Modified: | 2009-09-10 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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