Where does the characteristic pink or orange hue in wild salmon flesh originate?

Answer

Carotenoids, specifically astaxanthin, naturally present in their prey

The pink or orange coloration is derived from carotenoids, particularly astaxanthin, which is naturally present in the crustaceans and small fish that wild salmon consume.

Where does the characteristic pink or orange hue in wild salmon flesh originate?
fooddietanimalfishsalmon