Metabolism of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids in gourami (Trichogaster cosby) fry and mature females.

1. Female gouramis incorporated pulse-fed [U-14C]oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids more readily into roe than body lipids. Labeling was highest in eggs spawned 20-30 days after feeding. 2. In the fry, linoleic and linolenic were catabolized more slowly than oleic acid, indicating conservation of the polyunsaturated acids in the early stage of life. 3. In the mature female, metabolism of linolenic was distinct from that of the other acids by more extensive conversions and greater use of 14C for de novo synthesis of fatty acids.