Seasonal changes in the total fatty acid composition of Vimba, Vimba vimba tenella (Nordmann, 1840) in Eğirdir Lake, Turkey

Total fatty acid compositions and its seasonal variations in Vimba, Vimba vimba tenella (Nordmann, 1840) in Eğirdir Lake, which is the second largest freshwater lake in Turkey, were investigated by a gas chromatographic method. Twenty seven different fatty acids were determined in the composition of Vimba vimba tenella. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were found to be in higher amounts than saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in all seasons. Oleic acid (C18:1 n9) was the major MUFA in all seasons. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was identified as the major SFA in all four seasons. Arachidonic acid (C20:4 n6), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n3), linoleic acid (C18:2 n6), and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n3) were at the highest levels among the PUFAs. In the present study, n-3/n-6 ratios were found to be 1.4,1.5,1.2 and 1.4 in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. Vimba vimba tenella may be a valuable food for human consumption in terms of fatty acids.