Carotenoprotein complexes in entomostracan crustaceans (Streptocephalus dichotomus and Moina micrura)

The carotenoprotein complexes of a freshwater fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus dichotomus) and a daphnid (Moina micrura) were characterised and compared. Based on thin layer chromatography and mass spectral analysis, a variety of cartenoprotein complexes such as astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, antheraxanthin, lutein, B-cryptoxanthin and violaxanthin were found. Both crustaceans had astaxanthin and canthaxanthin as predominant prosthetic groups. Amino acid analysis of the complexes further revealed high levels of asparagine, glutamine and glycine in both species. Our study highlights the presence of naturally available carotenoid species in both crustaceans and their possible inter-conversion in anostracans. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.