Abstract
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.
2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.