1995 年 61 巻 5 号 p. 756-761
The changes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in total lipids were compared between fed and unfed cod Gadus macrocephalus larvae during development. The EPA and DHA contents in 100g of larvae on dry basis were different. The EPA content increased while the DHA content markedly decreased in the fed larvae till 20 days post-hatch. On the other hand, the DHA content was almost constant in the unfed larvae, however, the EPA content was reduced. Up to 5 days post-hatch, polar lipids notably decreased compared to the neutral lipids of the unfed larvae during the fasting period. It was also found that the mass mortality of fish coincided with a decrease in DHA level of live foods offered during the feeding period. In other words, the des-cent of DHA in the fed group of cod larvae was clearly related to the DHA levels in rotifers. Therefore, enrichment of the live initial foods with DHA is important for improving their dietary value, which in turn promotes the normal growth of larvae.