The component fatty acids of some New Zealand fish oils

STUDIES of the composition of aquatic fats have hitherto concerned almost exclusively species inhabiting the Northern Hemisphere. It is therefore of particular interest to examine fish oils from various New Zealand species, many of which are peculiar to the Southern Hemisphere. Several of these oils have been analysed for vitamin potency and general characteristics but quantitative data regarding the fatty acid composition have so far been restricted to eel (Anguilla aucklandii) body oil [Shorland & McIntosh, 1936] and to ling (Geny- pters blacodes) liver oil [Shorland, 1937]. The composition of the former closely resembles that of typical fresh-water fish while the latter has a higher content of C.8-unsaturated acids and a lower hexadecenoic acid content than typical