Lipid fingerprinting and geographical origin identification of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) using UHPLC-QTOF-MS

[Display omitted] •Comprehensive lipid profile of the LYC was constructed and compared.•8 lipid subclasses were selected as potential contributors for four tissues differentiation.•LYC from Zhejiang and Fujian provinces were distinguished by 100 lipid biomarkers.•Key environmental parameters affecting differential lipids were clarified. The Large Yellow Croaker (LYC) with rich lipids offers numerous health benefits, yet its lipid profile remains underexplored. Therefore, the lipids of LYC were comprehensively profiled and compared based lipidomics. Higher nutritional value of LYC was identified based on lipid and fatty acid assessment, particularly ovary and brain. A total of 963 lipid species belonging to 47 lipid subclasses were identified, exhibiting higher levels of glycerophospholipids (GPs) and sphingolipids (SPs) in the brain, as well as high levels of glycolipids (GLs) in the muscle. Furthermore, unique lipid subclasses were detected in the brain (Acylcarnitine (CAR), Alpha-hydroxy-N-stearoyl phytosphingosine (Cer-AP)) and ovary (N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly)). Notably, 8 lipid subclasses were selected as potential contributors for four tissues differentiation. Additionally, identification of LYC from various origins was achieved through lipidomics for the first time. LYC from Zhejiang and Fujian provinces could be distinguished by 100 lipid biomarkers. Most different lipids significantly negatively correlated with seawater pH and dissolved oxygen, but positively correlated with netting density, depth, environmental temperature and salinity. This comprehensive analysis provided valuable insights into LYC’s nutritional values and origin identified.