MATURATION OF PENAEID SHRIMP: DIETARY FATTY ACIDS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Comparisons were made between fatty acid profiles of gonad, digestive gland, and tail muscle samples of immature and mature male and female Penaeid shrimp obtained at sea. The major fatty acids of the lipids from mature ovaries were C 20 and C 22 polyunsaturated fatty acids. An annelid rich in lipids containing these acids was used as a dietary supplement for shrimp grown in the laboratory, and spawning was achieved with Penaeus setiferus . The possible role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in ovarian maturation is discussed.