Astaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid. Like many carotenoids, astaxanthin is a colorful, lipid-soluble pigment.While astaxanthin is a natural dietary component, it can also be used as a food supplement. The supplement is intended for human, animal, and aquaculture consumption.Astaxanthin is present in most red-coloured aquatic organisms. The primary natural sources for industrial production of astaxanthin comprise the following: Euphausia, Haematococcus pluvialis, Phaffia rhodozyma etc.Haematococcus pluvialis is a freshwater species of Chlorophyta from the family Haematococcaceae. This species is well known for its high content of the strong antioxidant astaxanthin, which is important in aquaculture, and cosmetics.