Abalone Pigments Originated from Algal Food-II

Methanol extractable pigments from the various organs of young and matured abalones were analysed with spectrophotometry and two dimensional paper chromatography. Chlorophyll α, chlorophyll c, fucoxanthin and neofucoxanthin were found commonly both on the chromatograms of the juvenile abalone shells, Haliotis discus hannai, and those of diatoms fed to abalones. In addition, β-carotene was detected in the diatoms, and carotenes, pheophytin α and yellow pigments were detected in the shells. Pheophytin a, unknown green and yellow pigments were detected in the viscera of the abalones which were cultivated with green alga, Ulva pertusa. In the case of matured abalones, β-carotene was the main pigment in the muscle. Carotenes, pheophytin α and unknown green pigments were detected in the testis and 50% methanol from the ovary.