Lipid Class Distribution and Fatty Acid Composition of Prawn, Penaeus japonicus Bate

Abstract

Ovary, hepatopancreas and muscle of prawn, Penaeus japonicus Bate, were analyzed for lipid class distribution. Ovary and hepatopancreas are the main lipid storage organs, triglycerides being their major lipid component while muscle contains mainly cholesterol and phospholipids. The fatty acid composition of prawn was similar to that in other marine animals, palmitic acid and ω 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids predominating in both males and females. However, the ovary of female prawn contains more monounsaturated fatty acids than do the other parts of the body. It is certain that this is related to the elaboration of triglycerides as energy reserves in this organ. © 1974, The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science. All rights reserved.