Monthly variations of total lipids content and some biological parameters of rock oyster (Saccostrea cucullata) in the Northern coasts of the Gulf of Oman

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the monthly variations of total lipids content and some biological parameters of rock oyster in the Northern coasts of the Gulf of Oman (Iranian coast) from October 2017 until March 2018 in relation to environmental conditions. According to the results, the maximum and minimum lengths were recorded in December and February, respectively. The highest amounts of weight, dry and wet weight, and condition index were recorded in autumn. There was also a significant difference between the months and the regions for these parameters (p < 0.05). The highest amount of total lipids was observed in March (3.1±1.84) with a significant difference relative to October and November and the lowest amount one was observed in October (2.15±1.6). Also, there was a significant relationship between the total lipids and the temperature. Moreover, there were higher amounts of total lipids in Saccostrea cucullata in winter compared to those in autumn. In general, one of the reasons for the differences in length, weight and total lipids at different stations over different months can mainly be explained by the reproduction season, nutritional conditions, and environmental factors such as temperature and salinity.