Carotenoids and carotenoid metabolism in Carcinus maenas (Crustacea: Decapoda)

The carotenoid pigments of the hepatopancreas, ovaries and epidermis of Carcinus maenas were investigated. The following pigments were identified: β-carotene, δ-carotene, echinenone, isocryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, flavoxanthin and astacene.
The relative abundance of these pigments in the three tissues and the presence of possible hydroxy and keto intermediates suggest the metabolism of astaxanthin from β-carotene. The metabolic pathway in Carcinus is discussed in relation to recent studies on other invertebrates.