Depth Distribution of the Carotenoid Pigments and Lipids of Some Oceanic Animals 1. Mixed Zooplankton, Copepods and Euphausiids

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Abstract
Analysis of the carotenoid pigment and lipid concentrations of groups of the smaller zooplankton organisms from different depths has suggested a midwater maximum for carotenoid concentrations and a slight depth-related increase in lipid content. Similar analysis of seventeen species of euphausiid has not indicated similar trends, but has shown a close relationship between size and pigment content in all species other than those of Stylocheiron, which have significantly lower pigment concentrations. Comparisons of the data of Fisher, Kon & Thompson (1964) on the pigment and lipid concentrations of copepods with the known depth ranges of the various species have suggested a midwater maximum in pigment concentrations, but no consistent trends in the lipid concentrations. A midwater pigment peak is explicable in terms of pigment accessibility and requirement for protective coloration, and the significance of the pigments is discussed.

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