Abstract:
The present study was carried out to assess the monthly fluctuation of lipid
content in gonad, muscle and liver tissues of Scomberoides lyan. Monthly
fish samples of 442 adult female fish captured from the northern waters of
Sri Lanka in 2010 and 2011 were used. Tissues of ovary, liver and muscle
were taken from each fish for lipid extraction by Bligh and dyer (1959)
method. Tissue lipid contents in fish showed temporal fluctuations that
correspond to lipid storage and utilization processes. The highest amount of
lipid content in ovary was observed in June and September of both years.
Lipid content (% dry weight) from the ovarian tissues of fish collected in
June and September months for year 2010 were 34.72 + 13.36 and 29.01 ±
9.66, respectively whereas it was 26.13 ± 3.77 and 35.00 ± 10.36 for year
2011. Lipid content in muscle tissues was discemibly (p < 0.05) lower
when compared to that in liver and ovarian tissues. Significantly (p < 0.05)
increased amount of lipid content in liver tissues was recorded in May and
August, and decreased thereafter. Liver lipid content attained the lowest
amount in June and September months. Liver and gonad lipid showed a
considerable monthly fluctuation during the two year period, while the
changes in the amount of muscle lipid were much smaller. Understanding
the lipid changes in gonad, muscle and liver tissues of S. lysan can predict
the time of spawning (June and September), which would help to develop a
management plan for this species in Sri Lanka.
