Korean researchers have developed a way to manufacture an antioxidant that is normally found in a specific type of fish.
The antioxidant has health benefits for people,... but for now, it's first practical use is for raising better shrimps.
Cho Sung-min reports.
Symphysodon fish, commonly known as discus, are well known for their bright red-orange color.
The color comes from an antioxidant called astaxanthin...and the specimens that feature brighter hues of red are considered more valuable.

Local researchers have opened up the first facility in Korea that mass produces astaxanthi.
The team says the antioxidant forms when water containing a special type of plankton is put in a converting chamber that was developed by the team.
When the liquid travels down several LED tubes inside the chamber...plankton changes the water color from green to dark red, which according to the team,...is the first sign that indicates the production of the antioxidant.

"As the water passes the tubes, we figured out that the amount of antioxidant depends on the number of plankton's cell...and as such, that number influences how fast and intense the water changes from green to red.“


The team also said the antioxidant not only gives discus fish their typical red color and boost their health, but also has a number of health benefits for people as the antioxidant was found to help boost immunity and reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases.

The researchers claim their way of producing the antioxidant using the LED chamber has been far more successful than conventional methods used in other countries.
For now, the team started distributing the antioxidant to local shrimp farms to grow healthier and high-quality shrimps.
Cho Sung-min, Arirang News.