Fatty acid components of larval Ostrea edulis (L.): importance of triacylglycerols as a fatty acid reserve.

1. The fatty acid profiles of all of the acyl-lipid classes of 1- and 10-day-old European oyster Ostrea edulis (L.) larvae were studied in detail by capillary gas-liquid chromatography. 2. No significant changes in the fatty acids were detected between the different larval stages. 3. Total lipid fatty acids showed a higher degree of unsaturation than previously reported. This may be a consequence of the extraction of lipids from the living tissues without sample storage. 4. One-third of the triacylglycerol fatty acids were polyunsaturated. In agreement with the importance of triacylglycerols in lipids of bivalve larvae, it is suggested that this lipid fraction may act as a temporary reservoir of physiologically-important polyunsaturated fatty acids. 5. Free fatty acids and fatty acids from the minor lipid classes are discussed in terms of their possible origin and physiological significances.