Depot lipids in mature palinurid decapods (Crustacea)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Decapods form the backbone of global crustacean fisheries and aquaculture. Palinurids contribute a small percentage of global decapod catches but are of high commercial value. They are currently rarely cultured but some fast-growing tropical species are regarded as one of the “most promising emerging species for aquaculture”. Recent advances in palinurid aquaculture have raised interest in their metabolism, including that of depot lipids. Probably due to past difficulties in palinurid aquaculture, knowledge on lipid metabolism of adults is poor, especially when compared with commercially important aquacultural decapods. However, interpolation of data from other decapod infraorders such as penaeids, from which the bulk of knowledge on crustacean lipids is derived, is problematic. Palinurids have a completely different life cycle, demanding different metabolic requirements than related decapod taxa. Providing energy during moulting and gonad development, depot lipids play a central role in growth and reproduction of palinurids. The high relevance of lipid digestion and accumulation is indicated by the high hepatopancreas lipid content (higher than in other decapod taxa) and the increasing importance of lipids with ontogenesis. The present review intends to provide an overview of the currently available information on the role of those depot lipids in the biology of mature palinurid decapods and regulation of their metabolism.