Seasonal changes of fatty acids in Nerita textiles on intertidal area of Chabahar Bay (Oman Sea)

The aim of this research was to identify and isolate the fatty acids composition of Nerita textiles in intertidal area of Chabahar Bay, and also to explore the seasonal changes of fatty acid content in Nerita textiles. GC/MS resulted thirteen fatty acids, that saturated fatty acids (SFA) of palmitic acid (16:0) was the most abundant category of fatty acid obtained in total lipids. There were no significant differences in total saturated fatty acids between different seasons. No significant differences were also observed in total unsaturated fatty acids between different seasons. The majority of unsaturated fatty acid reached their maximum levels during winter, while saturated acids reached their maximum levels in summer. Saturated acids were more than unsaturated fatty acids. Statistical analysis showed the positive significant correlation between temperature and saturated fatty acids and a negative significant correlation between temperature and unsaturated fatty acids. Biomarker fatty acids revealed that diet of Nerita textiles probably includes phytoplankton, zooplankton, detritus, bacteria, diatoms, red and brown algae. The results showed that meat quality indicated n-6/n-3 ratio in the range of 1.9 to 4.3.