The evaluation of seasonal fatty acid composition and food sources of Pileurobrachia pileus (Ctenophora) in terms of trophic marker fatty acids in the Southeastern Black Sea

Seasonal changes of the lipid and fatty acid composition Pleurobrachia pileus investigated monthly from March 2012 to February 2013. Average total content was determined as percentage (%) per individual (mg ind-1). It highest in (1.48 %; 3.55 mg However, it proportionally lowest April (0.40 %), August (0.33 Major acids P. were identified 16:0, 14:0, 11:1 n-9c, 20:5 n-3, 22:6 n-3. had on average 27.27 % ∑SFA, 25.04 ∑MUFA 47.63 ∑PUFA content. EPA DHA major PUFA. more obvious than (p<0.05). Herbivore calanoid zooplankton trophic markers; 20:1 n-9 DHA/EPA herbivory high acids. showed that taken by feeding phytoplankton. Diet an important factor seasonal pileus. In addition, we revealed has a rich plays role Southeastern Black Sea ecosystem functionalities between carnivory species.