6 Chromatophores and Pigments

Abstract

Publisher Summary Fishes change hues in response to the background coloration that has long been known. They also display color responses during excitement and courtship. These changes are mediated through the activities of integumentary pigment-containing cells called “chromatophores.” This chapter selects and organizes some of the important findings in the field of pigment cell physiology of fishes. According to the color of pigments, the chromatophores of fishes have been commonly classified as melanophores, erythrophores, xanthophores, leucophores, and iridophores. The coordinating systems for color changes, existing among fishes, show great diversity. In some fish, blood-borne hormones are believed to be predominantly responsible for the pigment movements, while in others the pigment cells are solely regulated by nerves. The chapter also discusses the physiological and the morphological color changes in fish.