Sterol and fatty acid composition of the clam, Codakia orbicularis, with chemoautotrophic symbionts

Codakia orbicularis may obtain nutrients from chemoautolithotrophic bacteria. The chemical composition of the C. orbicularis was investigated because of this unusual source of nutrition, and because it is a human food source in the Caribbean. The lipid fraction of these molluscs is discussed in detail. Polyunsaturated fatty acids account for only 11-15% of the total fatty acids, and non-methylene interrupted dienes are present as high as 9.5%. Cholesterol represents about 45% of the total sterols present.