Randy Holmes-Farley
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Reef Chemistry Question of the Day [HASHTAG]#151[/HASHTAG]
All of us know and appreciate the bright yellow color in yellow tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens).
Unfortunately, it is surprisingly difficult to find exact identification of the chemical structure(s) producing this yellow color (I could not do so). Other zebrasoma tangs and many marine tropical fish contain carotenoids that provide the color. The related species Zebrasoma veliferum with yellow and brown coloration contains a mix of at least six different carotenoids (tunaxanthin, neothxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, alpha-cryptoxanthin, and unidentified carotenoid(s)), with zeaxanthin being the most abundant:
zeaxanthin structure:
The question is, what is the ultimate origin of the carotenoids used to produce color in a yellow tang?
A. The algae that the fish eat contain the carotenoids as is.
B. The algae the they eat provide a basic carotenoid structure that the fish modify chemically
C. Microorganisms (bacteria, tiny crustaceans, etc.) on the algae that they eat provide the carotenoids as is.
D. Microorganisms (bacteria, tiny crustaceans, etc.) on the algae a basic carotenoid structure that the fish modify chemically
E. The fish synthesize the needed carotenoids from unpigmented molecules.
There will be a follow up question in a day or two.
Good luck!
.
All of us know and appreciate the bright yellow color in yellow tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens).
Unfortunately, it is surprisingly difficult to find exact identification of the chemical structure(s) producing this yellow color (I could not do so). Other zebrasoma tangs and many marine tropical fish contain carotenoids that provide the color. The related species Zebrasoma veliferum with yellow and brown coloration contains a mix of at least six different carotenoids (tunaxanthin, neothxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, alpha-cryptoxanthin, and unidentified carotenoid(s)), with zeaxanthin being the most abundant:
zeaxanthin structure:
The question is, what is the ultimate origin of the carotenoids used to produce color in a yellow tang?
A. The algae that the fish eat contain the carotenoids as is.
B. The algae the they eat provide a basic carotenoid structure that the fish modify chemically
C. Microorganisms (bacteria, tiny crustaceans, etc.) on the algae that they eat provide the carotenoids as is.
D. Microorganisms (bacteria, tiny crustaceans, etc.) on the algae a basic carotenoid structure that the fish modify chemically
E. The fish synthesize the needed carotenoids from unpigmented molecules.
There will be a follow up question in a day or two.
Good luck!
.
