Biochemical Composition of Zooplankton from the Andaman Sea

Abstract

Protein was the dominant constituent in mixed zooplankton major planktonic groups and some common species collected from the Andaman Sea. Overall mean values, calculated as a percentage of dry weight, were 45,14 protein, 10.6 lipid, 4.2 carbohydrate, 33.5 organic carbon and 7.2 total nitrogen. Biochemical constituent values were low in forms with a high water content. No reciprocal relationship was found between protein and lipid fractions. Organisms with lower C:N gave a higher caloric value indicating the role of protein as a metabolic reserve in tropical zooplankton with low lipid content