eCite Digital Repository
An experimental study of the effect of diet on the fatty acid profiles of the European Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
Citation
Fluckiger, M and Jackson, GD and Nichols, PD and Virtue, P and Daw, A and Wotherspoon, SJ, An experimental study of the effect of diet on the fatty acid profiles of the European Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), Marine Biology, 154, (2) pp. 363-372. ISSN 0025-3162 (2008) [Refereed Article]
 | PDF Restricted - Request a copy 384Kb |
Copyright Statement
The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com
Official URL: http://www.springerlink.com
DOI: doi:10.1007/s00227-008-0932-0
Abstract
Fatty acid analysis is an alternative dietary
investigation tool that complements the more traditional
techniques of stomach content and faecal analysis that are
often subject to a wide range of biases. In applying fatty
acid analysis to ecosystem studies, it is important to have
an understanding of the effect diet has on the fatty acid profile of the predator. A feeding experiment, using crustacean
and fish as prey for the European cuttlefish Sepia officinalis,
was conducted to evaluate the effect of prey fatty
acids on the fatty acid profile of this marine predator. Cuttlefish
were fed on a fish diet for the first 29 days, and then
changed to a crustacean diet for a further 28 days. Another
group of cuttlefish was fed on a crustacean diet for the first
29 days, and then changed to a fish diet for a further
28 days. An analysis of the cuttlefish digestive gland
showed that the fatty acid profile reflected that of the prey,
with cuttlefish on a crustacean diet being clearly distinguishable
from the cuttlefish on a fish diet. Cuttlefish fed on
a fish diet for 29 days prior to the switch in diet were comparatively
higher in 16:0, AA, 20:1ω9, DPA6, DHA,
22:4ω6 and DPA3 than those fed on crustaceans. Cuttlefish
fed on a crustacean diet for 29 days prior to the switch in
diet were comparatively higher in 17:1ω8, 18:1ω9, 18:2ω6,
18:1ω7, EPA and 20:2ω6 than those fed on fish. Following
a change in diet, the fatty acid profile of the cuttlefish digestive
gland reflected that of the new diet within 14 days. The
results confirm that the fatty acid profile of the cuttlefish
digestive gland clearly reflects the profile of its recent diet.
It also shows that the digestive gland may not be an organ
that accumulates dietary lipids for long-term storage, but
rather is an organ where lipids are rapidly being turned over
and potentially excreted.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Sepia officinalis, European cuttlefish, diet, fatty acid profile |
| Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
| Research Group: | Zoology |
| Research Field: | Invertebrate Biology |
| Objective Division: | Environment |
| Objective Group: | Ecosystem Assessment and Management |
| Objective Field: | Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Marine Environments |
| Author: | Fluckiger, M (Ms Miriam Fluckiger) |
| Author: | Jackson, GD (Dr George Jackson) |
| Author: | Nichols, PD (Dr Peter Nichols) |
| Author: | Virtue, P (Associate Professor Patti Virtue) |
| Author: | Wotherspoon, SJ (Dr Simon Wotherspoon) |
| ID Code: | 55210 |
| Year Published: | 2008 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 11 |
| Deposited By: | IASOS |
| Deposited On: | 2009-03-06 |
| Last Modified: | 2013-10-28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
Repository Staff Only: item control page