Inter-annual variability and seasonal dynamics in lipid signatures of Leiognathus splendens (Cuvier, 1829)

Seasonal variations (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon) of the lipid, fatty acid and total cholesterol profile in edible tissues of silver belly Leiognathus splendens collected from the south west (SW) and south east (SE) coasts of India over four years (2008-2011) were investigated in this study. The correlations between the fatty acid compositions with seasonal chlorophyll-a concentration of these years were also evaluated. The lipid levels showed pronounced seasonal fluctuations with the highest values occurring in the post-monsoon season and showed a good correlation with chlorophyll-a concentration. The lipid levels showed pronounced seasonal fluctuations with highest values occurring in post-monsoon season and showed strong correlation with chlorophyll-a concentration. Eicosapentaenoic acid correlated with chlorophyll-a concentration during monsoon in SW coast, and monsoon, post-monsoon in the SE coast. The correlation patterns of fatty acids with chlorophyll-a concentration were also studied. Similarly, the health indices such as atherogenic index, thrombogenicity index, total cholesterol, and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio of Leiognathus splendens were found to be ideal, which contributed towards its parameters to be qualified as an ideal health food.