Fatty acid composition of common barbel (Barbus barbus) roe and evaluation of its haemolytic and cytotoxic activities

► Eggs of the common barbel (Barbus barbus) cause intoxication. ► Barbel eggs contain haemolytic and cytotoxic polyunsaturated fatty acids. ► Polyunsaturated fatty acids were analysed by mass spectrometry. ► Arachidonic, docosahexaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic acids are the three most abundant members. ► Polyunsaturated fatty acids are responsible for the observed toxicity of barbel eggs.