Which carotenoids are essential?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 3:19 pm

Hey everybody!

It is always emphasized how much hermit crabs need carotenoids, but does anyone of you know which ones are actually essential for their metabolism?

I know that b-carotene is good to help them get a healty colour, that astaxanthin has the same effect and probably is needed for oxygen uptake through the gills and that zeaxanthin is important for their body systems...

But what about other carotenoids like lycopene or lutein?

CU,
Dario

Hermit_of_Hermit_Crabs · Post by **Hermit_of_Hermit_Crabs** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 6:10 pm

Take a look at this link: Hermit Crab Safe Food List
Once you have scanned the foods in the safe food list pick out ones that have a lot of color enhancing power. These types of foods will have plenty of beta carotene that your hermies need. Basically it's any fruits and vegetables that are bright in color.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 5:02 am

Thanks for your reply!

But that wasn't quite my question...

I already know which foods contain a lot of beta carotene, astaxanthin and zeaxanthin, but I was trying to find out whether they need other carotenoids, too, and if yes, which ones...

CU,
Dario

Willow · Post by **Willow** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:20 pm

I think the question is over our heads

I would say, yes. I think they need a varied and nutritous diet, with a good balance of carotenoids. I personally have seen the biggest benefit from feeding my hermies leafy greens (organic spring mix), and I know that leafy greens have a nice variety of carotenoids and other nutrients.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 6:43 pm

Oh, that's a pity...

I was hoping to find someone who could help me with this.

But never mind, maybe I'll figure it out some day...

Thanks to all of you!

CU,
Dario

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 6:47 pm

Have you tried asking at the epicurean hermit forum? Julia does a lot of research, she might have come across something.