Abstract: Total lipid(TL), neutral lipid(NL), phospholipid(PL) and their fatty acids distribution characteristics of carp and crucian carp spawn were analyzed respectively. The results showed that they have a relatively similar lipid and fatty acid composition. The total lipids recovered are of 16.90% and 10.19% on dry weight basis respectively, containing triacylglycerols, polar lipids, sterols, sterol/wax esters and free fatty acids in decreasing order. The PL and unsaponifiables accounts for a higher percentage of TL. Distribution of PL classes is similar with 30% , mainly phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The quantified fatty acids were 19 species among C14～C22 of both spawn in general. The most popular ones are 16:0 and 18:1 respectively, and also the n-3 polyenes such as DHA, as well as 20:4n-6, and P/S>>0.5, with lower content of EPA S:M:P of TL are about 1:1:1 respectively, NL has higher percentage of C18 and C20, and PL are characterized by high levels of C22, especially DHA. The spawn from crucian carp has higher percentage of TL and PL, meanwhile its rate of n-3/n-6 is lower than carp. However, the content of polyenes is in the reverse trend. Generally speaking, the characteristics of lipids and fatty acids are similar to of the fresh water fish tissues. It suggested that the lipids of spawn from fresh water fish has a prospective exploitationf uture.

Key words: Cyprinus carpio(carp), Carassius auratus(crucian carp), spawn, lipids, fatty acids, phospholipids, characteristics