Little is known about early development of the near-threatened bonefish ( Albula
vulpes ), a member of superorder Elopomorpha. Members of Elopomorpha are
partially defined by their synapomorphic leptocephalus larval stage, for which the
nutritional requirements are not well understood. Characterizing the nutritional profile,
including major nutrients (such as lipids) used for energetic processes, can help to gain
a better understanding of the nutritional requirements for leptocephalus larvae. A total
of 24 settlement stage A. vulpes leptocephalus larvae were collected at Long Caye
Island, Belize. Samples were used to determine various biochemical characteristics
including lipid class, fatty acid (FA), and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) compositions.
Each of these biochemical components play a role in early developmental processes
such as cellular membrane formation and are crucial for healthy development.
Biochemical characteristics of settlement stage A. vulpes leptocephalus are
presented in this study for the first time. The dominant lipid classes and fatty acids
detected in these samples were consistent with prior studies using closely related
species like the Japanese eel, indicating possible similarities in diets at this stage.
These results can be utilized to decide which dietary components are essential for
growth and survivorship of captive A. vulpes larvae. In the future, similar analyses can
be applied to other species that share the leptocephalus life stage to determine if
nutritional requirements at this stage of development are unique to this species. The
findings in this study will also help to facilitate the establishment of adequate
aquaculture systems for captive bonefish, ultimately leading to improved management
strategies for wild bonefish habitats.
Key words: leptocephalus, larval nutrition, lipid classes, fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs),