Disclosed is a microbiological method of producing astaxanthin in high concentrations while suppressing the production of canthaxanthin. Specifically, the method relates to manufacturing carotenoid containing astaxanthin, and includes a step for culturing in a biotin-containing medium bacteria which simultaneously produce astaxanthin and canthaxanthin. In said culture, the ratio of concentration of the canthaxanthin produced to the astaxanthin produced is low compared to that of a culture that has been cultured in a biotin-free medium.
