Some observations on astaxanthin distribution in marine crustacea

Abstract

It has been confirmed that esterified astaxanthin occurs in the hypodermis of the lobster, Homarus vulgaris, and the prawn, Nephrops norvegicus and that the unesterified pigment occurs in the eggs of the lobster. Confirmation of the presence of esterified astaxanthin in the carapaces of these spp. was not possible. From the evidence presented, it is considered that the pigment is free astaxanthin. The lobster hepatopancreas contains only traces of beta-carotene. Free and esterified astaxanthin, the former predominating, were identified in the copepod, Tigriopus fulvus. In gravid females about 50% of the pigment is in their eggs.