Detailed distribution of lipids in Greenshell™ mussel (Perna canaliculus)

Abstract

Greenshell™ mussels (GSM-Perna canaliculus) are a source of omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). Farmed GSM are considered to be a sustainable source of LC-PUFA as they require no dietary inputs, gaining all of their oil by filter-feeding microorganisms from sea water. GSM oil is a high-value product, with a value as much as 1000 times that of fish oils. GSM oil has important health benefits, for example, anti-inflammatory activity. It also contains several minor lipid components that are not present in most fish oil products, and that have their own beneficial effects on human health. We have shown the lipid content of the female GSM (1.9 g/100 g ww) was significantly greater than that of the male (1.4 g/100 g ww). Compared with male GSM, female GSM contained more n-3 LC-PUFA, and stored a greater proportion of total lipid in the gonad and mantle. The higher lipid content in the female than the male GSM is most likely related to gamete production. This information will be useful to optimize extraction of oils from GSM, a local and sustainable source of n-3 LC-PUFA.

Figure 1

(A) Female Greenshell™ mussel (Perna canaliculus) with orange gonad; (B) Male Greenshell™ mussel with creamy white gonad. Dissected organs of a male Greenshell™ mussel: (C) mantle; (D) gonad; (E) digestive gland and digestive gland; (F) posterior adductor muscle; (G) heart and foot.

Figure 2

Lipid distribution in female and male Greenshell™ mussels (GSM) organs. * Gonad also contained gill and labial palp. Values are mean ± standard error (n = 9).