What is it?

Astaxanthin is the name of a compound present in the freshwater chlorophyte microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis.

The production of Astaxanthin is triggered by environmentally-unfavorable conditions, such as when microalgae undergo stress caused by increased salinity or exposure to excessive light.

Astaxanthin is responsible for the red-pinkish color of the animals that ingest the freshwater algae, which include fish such as salmon, red trout and red sea bream, but also flamingos and crustaceans, like shrimp.

Haematococcus pluvialis, and consequently Astaxanthin, is found in temperate regions and its abundance depends on the amount of rain and humidity.