The Colours OfOphiocomina Nigra(Abildgaard): III. Carotenoid Pigments

Abstract

The red to orange-yellow colours of the ophiuroid,Ophiocomina nigra, are due to carotenoid pigments contained in specialized lipocytes. These cells are dendritic, with their cell bodies located in the dermis below a melanocyte layer and with dendrites approaching, but not penetrating, the epidermis. The lipocytes are either yellow or orange-red.Five principal pigments were detected in addition to two minor constituents, at least one of which may be an artifact. These major pigments are: β-carotene, an acid carotenoid similar to mytiloxanthin, and four xanthophylls of uncertain identity.