Canthaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid pigment that is found in many natural plants and organism.  It can be found in green algae, crustaceans, and in fish such as carp, golden mullet, seabream. Beyond common belief, wild salmon have little amounts of Canthaxanthin inside, drawing their color mainly from other carotenoids or pigments. 

Canthaxanthin is mainly used in the animal feed industry as a additive for poulty and fish feed. Adding Canthaxanthin into the feed mixture contributes not only to coloring attributes, but also can have certain beneficial oxidative properties to eggs and newborn chicks.