Seasonal variability of the fatty acid composition in Aurelia aurita (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa): implications for gelativore food web studies.

ABSTRACT: Jellyfish population play an important role in aquatic food chains, and many animals predate on this 'mostly water containing' organisms. However, what gelativores predators could gain from their prey is still poorly understood. This study provides insight into the nutritional value of the moon jelly (Aurelia aurita) by means of its fatty acid (FA) composition, while investigating seasonal variability and differences between its free-swimming life stages. A biweekly sampling was carried out in a temperate coastal ecosystem, the Kiel Fjord, Germany and during two consecutive years. FA profile of A. aurita showed significant seasonal variability, while mature medusae (due to reproductive tissues) possessed highest FA content. In addition, moon jelly contained several essential

SUBMITTER: Stenvers V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7344386 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul-Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature