Seasonal changes in the biochemical composition of females and offspring of red squat lobster, Pleuroncodes monodon (Decapoda, Munididae), from the Southeastern Pacific

Abstract

Pleuroncodes monodon is an important fishery resource and key species from the Southeastern Pacific. During its prolonged reproductive period (from February to December), ovigerous females are exposed to seasonal variation in environmental factors (e.g. temperature and food availability), with higher levels of these environmental parameters during summer and lower in winter, and must adjust their biochemistry to ensure their own survival and that of their embryos. The aim of this study was to analyse seasonal changes in the biochemical composition of ovigerous females and their eggs. The data show that the content of lipids, proteins and organic matter in the hepatopancreases of females was significantly higher in winter than in summer.Similarly, the lipid content of the eggs was significantly higher in winter than in summer, yet the protein content of the eggs had the opposite pattern with greater values found in summer. Consistent with the 'reproductive energetic model', the initial and final energy produced by the hepatopancreas showed significant seasonal variations, whereas female investment in egg production (in absolute values) did not show significant seasonal differences. The seasonal differences observed in the biochemistry, organic matter and energy content of the female hepatopancreases may be related to the storage of energy for growth and reproduction. Furthermore, the seasonal variation in the content of lipids, proteins and energy in eggs is likely related to embryogenesis and larval hatching in function with environmental conditions. Seasonal variation in the biochemical composition of P. monodon has direct effects on the marine food web and also upon fisheries.

Bioenergetics of parental investment in two polychaete species with contrasting reproductive strategies: The planktotrophic Boccardia chilensis and the poecilogonic Boccardia wellingtonensis (Spionidae)

“…As these larval traits are influenced by the female's energetic investment, they may also be affected by the biochemical condition of the females. Along these lines, studies have shown that female mollusks have higher protein and lipid contents in their hepatopancreas in winter than in summer; a potential adaptive response to provide larvae with higher energetic reserves during periods of low food availability (Bascur, Guzmán, Mora, Espinoza, & Urzúa, 2017;Calado & Leal, 2015).…”

The influence of glacial melt and retreat on the nutritional condition of the bivalve Nuculana inaequisculpta (Protobranchia: Nuculanidae) in the West Antarctic Peninsula

“…The bioenergetic equivalents were calculated using the following conversion coefficients: (a) 1 mg of lipids = 39.54 J and (b) 1 mg of protein = 23.64 J [37]. An approximation of the total energy content for each individual was calculated by adding both energy equivalents of the biochemical composition (as Total Energy = J � mg lipids + J � mg proteins) [37,38,39]. Carbohydrates are not considered due their minor contribution to the sample's total biomass.…”

Latitudinal changes in the lipid content and fatty acid profiles of juvenile female red squat lobsters (Pleuroncodes monodon) in breeding areas of the Humboldt Current System

“…The red squat lobster has a biphasic lifecycle, consisting of a pelagic larval phase and a benthic juvenile and adult phase [ 26 , 54 ]. It has five larval stages with a high dispersion capacity [ 15 , 55 ].…”

“…In P . monodon , seasonal changes in environmental conditions are known to not only affect life history traits [ 56 ], but also the biochemical composition of adult specimens [ 26 , 27 , 48 ]. For instance, in cooler periods, adult individuals have higher biomass than during warmer periods [ 56 ].…”