The optimum conditions for carotenoprotein extraction by crude protease from hepatopancreas of Pacific white shrimp were 20 units/g shrimp shells and hydrolysis time of 120 min at 60 °C. Carotenoids extracted from carotenoprotein were rich in astaxanthin and showed strong antioxidant activity. Carotenoprotein had high contents of essential amino acids. Thus, protease from hepatopancreas of Pacific white shrimp could be a potential novel enzyme for the recovery of carotenoprotein from shellfish wastes.