Level and composition of triacylglycerols and wax esters in commercial capelin oils from the Barents Sea fishery, 1983

Abstract

Abstract Oil levels, together with levels of triacylglycerols and wax esters in individual oils, and fatty acid and fatty alcohol compositions of triacylglycerols and wax esters were determined in capelin, Mallotus villosus (MÜLLER), sampled from different areas during the Barents Sea fishery, autumn 1983. Capelin early in the season had fuller stomachs and lower oil levels than capelin caught later in the year. The percentages of wax esters m the Oils declined from 7.8 % early in the season to zero late in the season. The fatty acid composition of the dominant triacylglycerols, together with the fatty acid and fatty alcohol composition of the minor wax esters in the oils were consistent with calanoid copepods being the dominant diet of the capelin from all locations sampled. It is also suggested that euphausiids may assume more importance in the diet in areas near Novaya Zemlya than in areas near Spitsbergen. The possible use of capelin as a commercial source of wax esters is considered.