What dietary component is responsible for Sockeye salmon's deep, vibrant red hue?
Answer
Astaxanthin consumed in the wild
The vibrant, deep red color characteristic of Sockeye salmon is directly attributed to its diet when living in the wild, which is rich in astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant pigment that the salmon ingests, leading to the striking coloration of its flesh. Pink salmon also consumes sources containing astaxanthin, like krill and shrimp, but generally in smaller quantities, resulting in a much paler pink or orange flesh tone. This high concentration of the carotenoid pigment is what makes Sockeye visually distinct.
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