1 Relationship between sperm quality

35 This study looks at the correlations of fatty acids has on different tissues in the 36 European eel (Anguilla anguilla, L.) during hormonally-induced sexual maturation, 37 with different sperm quality parameters. In order to evaluate the different dynamics of 38 the use of fatty acids, a categorization of the results from each sperm quality parameter 39 (volume, concentration, motility and velocity) was performed. 40 Low and moderate correlations were observed between muscle tissue and some sperm 41 quality parameters but no high correlations were found. Eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n3, 42 EPA) in the liver seems to have a role in determining the volume of sperm produced. 43 This can be explained by the fact that EPA is a major requirement in the early phases of 44 sperm production (probably as a component of the spermatozoa membrane). In addition, 45 the levels of α-linolenic acid (18:3-n3, ALA) and linoleic acid (18:2-n6, LA) in the liver 46 decreased when sperm motility increased. In all the tissues, a negative correlation was 47 observed between arachidonic acid (20:4n-6, ARA) and the different sperm velocity 48 parameters. The fact that an increase in the consumption of ARA coincides with an 49 increase in the speed of spermatozoa, highlights the important role that this fatty acid 50 plays not only in sperm production, but also in sperm velocity. 51 All this information could prove useful in the development of suitable broodstock diets 52 to improve sperm quality and subsequently, the larval development of this species. 53 54 55 56