Effect of different dietary carotenoids on the pigmented pattern of the hermit crab Clibanarius erythropus Latreille (Crustacea: Decapoda)

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this work is to investigate the pigmentary fate of dietary carotenoids in the hermit crab Clibanarius erythropus receiving synthetic pigments. The animals have been previously depigmented and fed on a carotenoid-free diet during three consecutive moulting cycles. Three experimental diets containing β-carotene from carrots, synthetic canthaxanthin, and astaxanthin were used. The abilities of the animal to metabolize carotenoids having different oxidation levels, have been investigated.