Involved in the biosynthesis of carotenoids spirilloxanthin. Catalyzes the hydration of lycopene to the corresponding hydroxylated carotenoids 1-HO-lycopene and 1,1'-(HO)2-lycopene. Can also act on geranylgeraniol. rhodopin = all-trans-lycopene + H2O 1,1'-dihydroxy-1,1',2,2'-tetrahydrolycopene = H2O + rhodopin Optimum pH is 8. No activity is detected at pH 4.0-5.0. At higher pH values, it shows rapid decrease in activity, although 50% of the relative activity is still detected at pH 9.0. It retains much residual activity after 30 minutes incubation at pH 4.0-8.0, indicating that CrtC is stable in both slightly alkaline and acid environments. Optimum temperature is 30 degrees Celsius. Enzyme activity is significantly lower at 20 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. Repressed by oxygen. Belongs to the CrtC hydratase family.