Determination of Fatty Acid Compositions as Biomarkers in the Diet of Turbo coronatus in Chabahar Bay

The aim of this study was to obtain a basic knowledge of the fatty acid compositions and consequently, determination of diet for Turbo coronatus by means of fatty acids biomarkers. Samples were collected during a year (April, July, October 2007 and February 2008) in coastal areas of Chabahar Bay in Oman Sea. Biomarker fatty acids revealed that diet of Turbo coronatus included phytoplankton, zooplankton, detritus, bacteria, diatoms and red and brown algae. Thirteen fatty acids were identified by using GC/MS. Saturated fatty acids were the most abundant compounds of total lipids. Monounsaturated fatty acids of 16:1n-9, 18:1n-9 and 20:1n-11, were also observed in all samples. No significant differences were observed between total contents of saturated as well as total contents unsaturated fatty acids in different seasons (P > 0.05). This suggests similar sources of diet, but in different combination for the mollusc in different seasons.