Identifying a Non-Lethal Fatty Acid Sampling Method in Fish
Loading...
Date
2025-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of New Brunswick
Abstract
Fatty acid profiling is crucial for understanding fish health and diet.This study evaluates the potential of fish fin tissues as non-lethal alternatives to muscle tissue for fatty acid profiling. Lipid extractions from muscle, adipose fin, inner-caudal, and outer-caudal tissues were analyzed using gas chromatography. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Euclidean distance analyses revealed a strong similarity between adipose and muscle tissue. Inner-caudal tissue showed a strong correlation with muscle, with moderate intra-fin variability. Outer-caudal tissue exhibited the most distinct fatty acid profile and high intra-fin composition variability, suggesting it provides a useful alternative. This study demonstrates that adipose fin tissue provides a reliable non-lethal alternative for fatty acid profiling in fish, given its strong correlation with muscle tissue, minimal variation, and consistency in fatty acid composition and concentration. Non-lethal fatty acid sampling methods support ecological research and conservation efforts, laying the foundation for more sustainable fish health and dietary studies.