Starvation and low feeding levels result in an enrichment of C-13 in lipids and N-15 in protein of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L.

The influence of different feeding levels below and slightly above maintenance on whole body delta C-13 and delta N-15 values of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus was examined. The energy budget of each fish was determined by indirect calorimetry. The delta C-13 values of the lipid-free material of Nile tilapia fed below and slightly above maintenance level did not differ between the feeding groups, but the delta C-13 values in the lipids and the delta N-15 values of the lipid-free material showed small but significant differences. Those fish with a negative lipid retention had significantly higher delta C-13 values in the lipid fraction compared to fish that synthesized fatty acids. There was a significant negative correlation between the amount of energy metabolized by the fish and both the delta C-13 values in the lipids and the delta N-15 values of the lipid-free material. Fasting and feeding below the maintenance level may influence the isotopic composition of animals and should therefore be considered in ecological and nutritional studies. (c) 2007 The Authors Journal compilation. (c) 2007 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.