Lipid metabolism of the male crab Pachygrapsus marmoratus during the moulting cycle

Abstract

The moult induces important variations in the concentrations and fatty acid composition of lipid classes during the moulting cycle of the male crab Pachygrapsus marmoratus. Phospholipids are the predominant lipid class. The high levels in total saturated fatty acids but also in oleic and palmitic acids result of the semi-terrestrial ethology of this grapsidae. The hepatopancreas presents the most notable variations in the lipid concentration during the moulting cycle. Transport of hepatopancreatic lipids through the hemolymph to the periphery occurs during the end of premolt, just before the new tissues constitution.