Monthly changes in gonad, muscle and liver lipid of female Scomberoides lysan from Northern waters of Sri Lanka

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.