Evolution of a novel carotenoid-binding protein responsible for crustacean shell color.

Carotenoids are commonly used by disparate metazoans to produce external coloration, often in direct association with specific proteins. In one such example, crustacyanin (CRCN) and the carotenoid astaxanthin combine to form a multimeric protein complex that is critical for the array of external shell colors in clawed lobsters. Through a combined biochemical, molecular genetic, and bioinformatic survey of the distribution of CRCN across the animal kingdom, we have found that CRCNs are restricted to, but widespread among, malacostracan crustaceans.

Microbial diversity within early-stage cultured Panulirus ornatus phyllosomas.

A thorough understanding of the microorganisms and pathogens associated with the larval stage of the tropical ornate rock lobster, Panulirus ornatus, is required to overcome disease outbreaks that currently block aquaculture attempts. This study used microscopy in addition to culture and molecularly based microbiological techniques to characterize the bacterial community associated with cultured, developmental stage PI to PII P. ornatus phyllosomas.

Esterified astaxanthin levels in lobster epithelia correlate with shell colour intensity: potential role in crustacean shell colour formation.

Carotenoids, particularly astaxanthin, are the primary pigment in crustacean shell colour. Sub-adults of the western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus, moult from a deep red colour (termed the red phase) to a much paler colour (the white phase) at sexual maturation. We observe a 2.