Composition and seasonal variation of fatty acids of Chalcalburnus tarichi in Van Lake, Turkey.

The seasonal variations of fatty acids compositions in the muscle lipids of Chalcalburnus tarichi in Van Lake were determined by using gas chromatography. Fish samples in two seasons (summer and winter) were obtained from Van Lake in Van, Turkey. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analyses by employing SPSS software and p < 0.05 was accepted as significant value. The results showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids levels were found to be higher than those of monounsaturated fatty acids in two seasons. Palmitic and stearic acid levels in the muscles were the highest (12.84% in summer and 31.06% in winter, respectively). Linoleic acid was the major PUFA in summer. Linoleic acid (C18:2 n6), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n3), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n3), and arachidonic acid (C20:4 n6) were at the highest levels among the PUFAs. The percentages of total ω3 fatty acid were higher than those of total ω6 fatty acid in the fatty acid composition of Chalcalburnus tarichi in winter. Especially, in Chalcalburnus n-3/n-6 ratios which have nutritional importance for human health were 0.93% and 0.71% in winter and summer, respectively. In conclusion, seasonal variations and species differentiations affected fatty acid composition of Chalcalburnus tarichi in Van Lake.