Abstract

Protein, lipid (triglycerides), carbohydrate and caloric contents of soft tissues of Procambarus clarkii from the Lower Mondego river valley (Portugal) were determined at intervals over the year to evaluate seasonal changes in energy and nutrient storage capacity. Total lipid and triglycerides contents, and consequently the energy content stored in these forms, changed seasonally. An increase in lipid and triglycerides contents was observed during April/June (spring), followed by a decrease during June/October (summer) to levels maintained through the winter period (January/March). Seasonal changes in protein and carbohydrate contents were relatively limited and their contribution for the total energy content was relatively small. It was concluded that during spring, in the Lower Mondego river valley, P. clarkii traps and stores most of the energy in lipid reserves, mainly as triglycerides. Since the P. clarkii population can reach very high densities in aquatic ecosystems in the Lower Mondego river valley, the present results reinforce the idea that this species may play an important role in energy and nutrient transfers within the food webs, and a more accurate knowledge on the bioenergetics of this species will be useful for ecosystems management.

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