Seasonal variation of the fatty acid profile in cysts and wild adults of the fairy shrimp Chirocephalus kerkyrensis Pesta, 1936 (Anostraca)

The fatty acid profiles of wild adults and cysts of a population of the fai ry shrimp Chirocephalus kerkyrensis from Circeo National Park (central Ital y) were analysed at regular time intervals during the water phase of the po nd, with the aim of relating eventual differences in fatty acid composition and profile to differences in environmental conditions. Four samplings wer e performed: at the beginning of adult life, at two intermediate stages, an d at the end of the life cycle. The results show that lipid content and pro file vary significantly in the samples examined, thus suggesting a relation with the fluctuations in the abiotic environmental variables, which, on th eir turn, cause variation in food quality and quantity.