There were no differences in plasma triglyceride or total cholesterol concentrations because of the diets in this study. This may be due to the fasted state of the fish prior to blood collection, as lipid absorption and transport from the digestive system were not occurring. Plasma triglycerides in circulation were likely only those needed for maintenance and metabolism and were in transport from adipose storage for use as energy and membrane maintenance. Total plasma cholesterol was elevated and plasma triglycerides were lowered in juvenile cobia fed diets supplemented with up to 8% PL (97% PL, 60% PC) (Niu et al. 2008). The primary
difference between this study and that of Niu et al. (2008) was that the fish in the latter study were not fasted prior to sample collec- tion. Future studies should examine the effects of feeding in addition to fasting on plasma triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in catfish fed diets with different concentrations of lecithin.