Diel variation in body carotenoid content and feeding activity in marine zooplankton assemblages

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Abstract
The relationship between diel variation in body carotenoid content and feeding activity of zooplankton from Los Angeles Harbor. California, was investigated during two time series of 24h and 32h, in August 1983 and May 1984. Carotenoid levels varied significantly (t-test. p<0.01) during each time series, with peak levels occurring around midnight. Feeding activity also exhibited a night time peak during each experiment. The regression of carotenoid content on feeding activity explained 87% and 82% of the variance in either parameter in the August and May experiments respectively. However, the regression equations varied from one experiment to the next. Between-experiment differences in the relation between carotenoid content and feeding activity and in the mean carotenoid levels over each time series may be related to differences in phytoplankton concentration and composition during each experiment.