Zoology Publications from Victoria University of Wellington—Nos. 42 to 46
Identification of the Hypophasic Pigments
Identification of the Hypophasic Pigments
The individual pigments of the hypophasic layer have yet to be identified conclusively. However, some of their constituents and physical properties suggest the presence of xanthophylls. In a crude extract, xanthophylls are preferentially soluble in 90% methanol. In the presence of two immiscible solvents, petroleum ether and 90% methanol shaken in a separating funnel, xanthophylls are expected to become concentrated in the lower aqueous-alcoholic layer. The colours obtained from this lower layer also agree with those obtained by other workers for xanthophylls. If the lower layer pigments are xanthophyll, the coloration of Isactinia olivacea agrees with Goodwin's (1962) statement that in coelenterates the predominant carotenoid pigments are xanthophyll and acidic carotenoids.