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9216317 
Journal Article 
Live prey enrichment, with particular emphasis on HUFAs, as limiting factor in false percula clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris, Pomacentridae) larval development and metamorphosis: molecular and biochemical implications 
Olivotto, Ike; Di Stefano, M; Rosetti, S; Cossignani, L; Pugnaloni, A; Giantomassi, F; Carnevali, O; , 
2011 
Yes 
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A: Molecular and Integrative Physiology
ISSN: 1095-6433
EISSN: 1531-4332 
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC 
NEW YORK 
207-218 
English 
21320627 
WOS:000291381500001 
In fast growing organisms, like fish larvae, fatty acids provided through live prey are essential to satisfy high energy demand and are required to promote growth. Therefore, in recent decades, a great amount of research has been directed towards the development of lipid enrichment in order to improve larval fish survival and growth. However, in fish, the biochemical and molecular processes related to highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) administration are still poorly understood. In the current study, the false percula clownfish, a short larval phase marine species, was used as an experimental model and the effects of a standard and a HUFAs-enriched diet were tested through a molecular, biochemical, ultrastructural and morphometric approach. Our results support the hypothesis that HUFA administration may improve larval development through the presence of better structured mitochondria, a higher synthesis of energy compounds and coenzymes with a central position in the metabolism, with respect to controls. This higher energy status was confirmed by better growth performance and a shorter larval phase in larvae fed with an enriched diet with respect to the control. This strategy of rapid growth and early energy storage may be considered positively adaptive and beneficial to the survival of this species.