Seasonal variations in lipid composition of the hydrothermal vent mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus from the Menez Gwen vent field.
Specimens of the hydrothermal mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus collected in Menez Gwen hydrothermal vent field (NE Atlantic) during 2002-2003 were examined for feeding patterns variations through three seasons. The fatty acid profile and lipid classes of the mussels were studied, together with the MODIS/AQUA-derived near-surface chlorophyll a to test the hypothesis that surface productivity might be related to the feeding patterns of this species. The lipid levels showed pronounced seasonal fluctuations with the highest values occurring in January and August. Seasonal variations in lipid classes and fatty acid composition of neutral and polar lipids in the mussels are presented. Differences in the fatty acid profile of lipid classes in different seasons suggest that the higher energy requirements in summer and winter were supplied by bacterial biomarkers omega7 MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids), whereas omega6 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and NMI (non-methylene-interrupted) fatty acids predominated during the spring. The MODIS/AQUA data show marked seasonal variability and an anomalous peak during January of 2003, although this cannot be directly linked to lipid composition variation.
Colaço
Ana
A
IMAR - Centro da Universidade dos Açores, Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, Cais de Sta. Cruz, 9001-382 Horta, Azores, Portugal. acolaco@uac.pt
Prieto
Catarina
C
Martins
Ana
A
Figueiredo
Miguel
M
Lafon
Virginie
V
Monteiro
Margarida
M
Bandarra
Narcisa M
NM
D000818:Animals; D001267:Atlantic Ocean; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000737:chemistry*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D017215:Satellite Communications; D012621:Seasons; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry
D005227:Fatty Acids; D008055:Lipids