Prey–predator dynamics in seahorses (Hippocampus guttulatus): deciphering fatty acid clues. Issue 4 (30th December 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faleiro, Filipa; Narciso, Luís
• Is Part Of: Aquaculture research. Volume 44:Issue 4(2013:Mar.)
• Page Start: 618
• Page End: 633
• Publication Date: 2011-12-30
• Subjects: Aquaculture -- Periodicals; Fishery management -- Periodicals; 639.8
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2109.2011.03067.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-557X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="are3067-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Understanding the flow of fatty acids between trophic levels can provide important clues on prey–predator dynamics and nutritional requirements of the species. This study investigates the fatty acid flow between enrichment emulsions, <italic>Artemia</italic> nauplii and <italic>Hippocampus guttulatus</italic> juveniles, and evaluates the nutritional value of enriched and unenriched <italic>Artemia</italic> for newborn seahorses. The fatty acid profile of <italic>Artemia</italic> and seahorses generally reflected the dietary composition, but fatty acids were not linearly transferred between trophic levels. The incorporation of dietary fatty acids showed to be a more complex process involving dietary composition, predator metabolism and nutritional requirements. <italic>Artemia</italic> composition resulted from a dynamic balance between what was assimilated and metabolized by the nauplii during enrichment. Prey fatty acids were incorporated in seahorses, but HUFA, particularly DHA, were selectively retained to fulfil their high requirements. <italic>H. guttulatus</italic> newborns were not successfully reared on <italic>Artemia</italic> nauplii, not even on enriched <italic>Artemia</italic>, with low survival rates (15.0–26.7%) being observed in all feeding treatments. The high MUFA content and low DHA level of <italic>Artemia</italic> did not fulfil the high SFA and PUFA requirements of newborn juveniles, particularly their great DHA demands. Higher survivorship was obtained with enriched <italic>Artemia</italic>, but no differences were detected in juvenile growth.</p> </abstract>