Description of amino acid and fatty acid content during initial development of Lophiosilurus alexandri (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae), a carnivorous freshwater catfish

ABSTRACT Samples of eggs, newly hatched larvae (NHL), and larvae at the end of the lecithotrophic period (eight days after hatching) (LPL) of Lophiosilurus alexandri were collected to determine the amino acid and fatty acid profiles. Crude protein did not change throughout initial development and the concentration of lipids was highest in NHL. The content of the indispensable amino acids (IAA) isoleucine, leucine, and valine decreased in LPL, while in eggs and NHL they remained high and similar in value. The dispensable amino acids (DAA), such as aspartic acid, tyrosine, and glycine, increased in LPL, while alanine decreased. The percentage of neutral lipids increased in LPL. The saturated fatty acid content decreased during ontogeny, while monounsaturated fatty acids decreased only in LPL. The polyunsaturated fatty acid content was highest in LP. Polar fatty acids were found in higher percentages in eggs and NHL, but lower in LPL. Saturated fatty acid content decreased during ontogenetic development, while that of monounsaturated fatty acids decreased only in LPL. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was highest in LPL. Protein content was maintained during ontogenetic development, while amino acid classes experienced changes. Lophiosilurus alexandri preferentially uses saturated and monosaturated fatty acids as an energy source during its early development. RESUMO Amostras de ovos, larvas recém-eclodidas (NHL) e larvas no final do período lecitotrófico (oito dias após a incubação) (LPL) de Lophiosilurus alexandri foram coletadas para determinar os perfis de aminoácidos e ácidos graxos. A proteína bruta não alterou durante o desenvolvimento inicial e a concentração de lipídios foi maior na NHL. O conteúdo dos aminoácidos indispensáveis (IAA) isoleucina, leucina e valina diminuíram em LPL, enquanto nos ovos e NHL eles permaneceram com valores elevados e semelhantes entre si. Os aminoácidos dispensáveis (DAA), como ácido aspártico, tirosina e glicina, aumentaram em LPL, enquanto a alanina diminuiu. A porcentagem de lipídios neutros aumentou em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos saturados diminuiu durante a ontogenia, enquanto os ácidos graxos monoinsaturados diminuíram apenas em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados foi maior em LPL. Os ácidos graxos polares foram encontrados em porcentagens mais altas em ovos e NHL, e menores em LPL. O teor de ácidos graxos saturados reduziu durante o desenvolvimento ontogenético, enquanto que os ácidos graxos monoinsaturad