Microgeographic differentiation in the lipid composition of the bivalve Macoma balthica from the Gulf of Gdańsk (Southern Baltic)

Differentiation in lipid content, composition of lipid classes, fatty acids and sterols of Macoma balthica (L.) collected from various parts of the Gulf of Gdask was observed. The clams taken from the Inner Puck Bay contained significantly lower amounts of lipids, particularly of triglycerides, oleopalmitic acid and 24-methylenecholesterol. It is suggested that this differentiation is related to variability of trophic conditions in the Gulf of Gdask.