Seasonal and developmental variability of biochemical composition in Mesopodopsis zeylanica (Crustacea: Mysida) from Cochin estuary, India

Abstract

In order to study the nutritive value and patterns of variation in biochemical composition of Mesopodopsis zeylanica, the protein, carbohydrate and lipid content of freshly caught mature males, immature males, spent females, brooding females, immature females and juveniles for two seasons were determined. The biochemical composition reveals high nutritional quality of mysid and it varies with different seasons and developmental stages. Among the biochemical composition, protein was the principal component. Significant differences were observed in protein, carbohydrate and lipid content between different developmental stages. Trophic conditions and reproductive strategy were the major factors that determine the seasonal patterns of variation in biochemical composition. Mature males and females showed higher protein content than other stages, while carbohydrate content was high in immature stages, and lipid content was high in brooding females.