Adaptative role of carotenoids and carotenoproteins in Cyclops kolensis Lilljeborg (Crustacea : Copepoda) specimens to extremely eutrophical conditions

The authors, using column, thin-layer, and ion-exchange chromatography, inv estigated carotenoid and carotenoprotein complex content in Cyclops kolensi s specimens from an extremely eutrophic: pond. The following carotenoids we re found to be present: beta -carotene, beta -cryptoxanthin, lutein epoxide , crustaxanthin, 4'-hydroxyechinenone, canthaxanthin, and astaxanthin. Caro tenoprotein complex containing astaxanthin as the prosthetic group name gam ma -crustacyanine was purified from Cyclops kolensis individuals examined. The authors justify the adaptative role of these pigments in Cyclops kolens is specimens in extremely eutrophical conditions.