Question

Cholesterol is a type of lipid, which can be synthesized in the body, but following animals require cholesterol in the diet

• A. Carps
• B. Cat fishes
• C. Shrimps
• D. Molluscs

Hint:

Crustaceans cannot convert squalene to cholesterol, making dietary sterols essential. Lack of dietary cholesterol in shrimp leads to poor growth, incomplete ecdysis (molting), and mortality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cholesterol is a vital structural component of cell membranes and acts as a precursor for essential hormones, including molting hormones (ecdysteroids) in arthropods.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Unlike vertebrates (such as carps and catfishes), crustaceans (including shrimps) lack the physiological biochemical pathways necessary for the de novo biosynthesis of cholesterol from simpler precursors like acetate.
Because of this metabolic limitation, cholesterol is a strictly essential nutrient for shrimps and must be provided in their formulated diets (typically at levels of \(0.5\text{--}1.0\%\)) to support normal growth, survival, and successful molting.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Shrimps require cholesterol in their diet, which corresponds to option (C).