Translocation of algal pigments to oocytes in Capitella sp. I (Annelida: Polychaeta)

• Published in: Marine ecology. Progress series (Halstenbek) 1990-01, Vol.67 (3), p.301-304
• Main Authors: Marsh, A. G., Grémare, A., Dawson, R., Tenore, K. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bacillariophyceae; Capitella; Carotenoids; Chlorophylls; Diatoms; Diet; Eggs; Fatty acids; Marine; Navicula; Nitzschia; Oocytes; Opportunistic behavior; Ova; Pigments; Polychaeta
• ISSN: 0171-8630; 1616-1599
• DOI: 10.3354/meps067301

Juvenile Capitella sp. I were raised on 3 diets: a processed mixed cereal; benthic diatoms; and a green macroalgae. Accessory pigments from algal diets were translocated to developing oocytes. Worms fed mixed cereal produced eggs with no pigments; worms fed diatoms produced eggs with fucoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, diatoxanthin and β-carotene; worms fed macroalgae produced eggs with lutein, lutein cis-isomers and β-carotene. In addition to accessory pigments, chlorophylls and their breakdown products (pheaophytin and phaephorbide) and β-carotene anabolic products (canthaxanthin and echinenone) were also translocated to oocytes. The presence of intact chlorophyll a in eggs is evidence that Capitella sp. I can rapidly assimilate and allocate materials to reproduction. Given the importance of carotenoids in aquaculture diets, differences in oocyte carotenoid compositions may significantly alter growth and development rates of eggs produced on different food resources in field populations. In future studies, it may be possible to identify the food resources of opportunistic deposit-feeders from the biochemical composition (fatty acids, sterols, and pigments) of their oocytes.