Seasonal variation in the fatty acid composition of Sardinella longiceps and Sardinella fimbriata: Implications for nutrition and pharmaceutical industry

Fatty acids of Sardinella longiceps and Sardinella fimbriata of Cochin coast, in four seasonal catches, were profiled and compared. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were the most abundant; EPA dominating in S. longiceps, and DHA in S. fimbriata. Concentrations were also observed to change with season and diet. These variations are complementary, therefore nutritional and pharmaceutical industries using both species in tandem as PUFA sources are expected to be more sustainable round the year.