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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Fatty acids as trophic biomarkers in vitellogenic females in an impounded tropical river

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Author(s):
Gomes, Aline D. [1] ; Correia, Tiago G. [1] ; Moreira, Renata G. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY; v. 36, n. 3, p. 699-718, SEP 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

Fatty acids have been used in marine biogeochemistry as food chain biomarkers, but in freshwater these studies are rare. In order to evaluate the fatty acid potential as biomarkers in freshwater, their profile was analyzed during vitellogenesis in two fish species, in both waterfall and reservoir environments of the Paraiba do Sul River Basin. Detrivorous Hypostomus affinis and omnivorous Geophagus brasiliensis seem to elongate and desaturate polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and transfer them to the ovaries' phospholipids. Waterfall Geophagus brasiliensis have more highly unsaturated fatty acids in the liver, but in the reservoir, accumulation mainly occurs in muscle and ovary triglycerides, suggesting trophic opportunism and a plasticity during vitellogenesis. In Hypostomus affinis, PUFA alteration occurs only in the reservoir, suggesting a high phytoplankton occurrence. Eutrophication and water speed is reflected in Hypostomus affinis ovaries by higher PUFAn3 and bacterial fatty acids. As in marine environments, analysis of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids during vitellogenesis can be used as a tool in food chain studies in freshwater. (AU)