Blood lipids of the small octopus, Octopus tehuelchus (mollusca, cephalopoda) at different stages of sexual maturation

Abstract

1. 1. The lipid and fatty acid composition from the plasma and hemocytes in Octopus tehuelchus at different stages of sexual development, was determined. 2. 2. The highest content of lipids was found in females engaged in egg development, and the lowest in post-spawning and brooding females. Highest levels occurred during the autumn season in both sexes. 3. 3. Changes were mainly due to triacylglycerols and diacylglyceryl ethers. 4. 4. The plasma fatty acid composition did not demonstrate significant changes at different stages of maturation. The arachidonic acid (20:4 ω 6) was present at surprisingly high levels.