Seasonal variations in fatty acid composition and the N-6/N-3 fatty acid ratio of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) muscle lipids

Total lipid, fatty acid composition and the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios of muscle of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) was determined once every two months. The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) was higher than half of the total fatty acid content, and the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) was higher than the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio. The n-3 fatty acids were present in excess of the n-6 fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), and arachidonic (AA) acids were the most abundant PUFA. The fatty acid composition and n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio in the muscle of pikeperch are significantly influenced by spawning and the season. Relative proportions of PUFA (especially n-3 fatty acids) diminished significantly with the maturation of gonads. The ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids was less than one except during the reproduction period. This result suggests that meat quality of pikeperch is very good except during the spawning period with respect to the n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratio.