This study investigated for the first time, the effects of the natural carotenoid, derived from the carotenoid-rich microorganism, Paracoccus carotinifaciens, known under the brand name Panaferd®-AX, on growth performance, survival, body pigmentation, immune responses and disease resistance of juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Four dietary levels of Panaferd®-AX (T1 to T4 at 0, 250, 500 and 1,250 mg kg -1 diet) were supplemented to a basal pelletized diet. The shrimp with an initial body weight of 4.00±0.01 g were fed with these diets for 30 days. The results showed that shrimp growth, feed utilization and survival were not affected (P>0.05) by the inclusion of the Panaferd®-AX in any of the dosages tested in the basal diet, under the current experimental conditions, in accordance with other studies on fish and shrimp. On the other side, pigmentation and hemolymph immunological responses (table 1) were significantly affected by the diets containing Panaferd®-AX (P<0.05). The dietary supplementation with Panaferd®-AX enhances disease resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Fig.1) and mortality delayed after exposure to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). In conclusion, the diet supplemented with Panaferd®-AX, derived from Paracoccus carotinifaciens can enhance pigmentation and immune competence of L. vannamei.