Comparative study of chromatophores in fresh water fishes

Singh, Akanksha and Paul, Newton (2025) Comparative study of chromatophores in fresh water fishes. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 25 (3). pp. 708-711. ISSN 2581-9615

Fish play a vital role in biodiversity. Chromatophores are pigment-bearing cells found in vertebrates, including fish, that allow each species to change its body colour and pattern. Colour changes allow for dynamic camouflage and different means of communication. It is also an excellent example of plasticity, which is required for adaptation and survival in novel environments. Colour change can occur quickly in minutes or gradually over weeks due to various biological mechanisms. Chromatophores are composed of many pigment types that are present in the body and in the eyes in addition to the skin. Morphological colour change, especially seasonal colour variation, has piqued the curiosity of behavioral ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Melanophores, which absorb light, were discovered to be the most prevalent chromatophore. Channa striata, Wallago attu, and Oreochromis niloticus scales contain a great number of dendritic-shaped melanophores. Alongside melanophores, erythrophores are seen in Wallago attu and Labeo rohita. There are a lot of melanophores and xanthophores in Danio rerio.