melanophore

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melanophore

biology

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June 30, 2026

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A melanophore is a type of chromatophore, which is a pigment-containing cell found in the deeper skin layers of animals. Melanophores specifically contain melanin, a pigment that ranges in color from brown to black. These cells are crucial for determining an organism's color patterns.12

In animals like fish, amphibians, and reptiles, melanophores are responsible for producing and distributing melanin granules, known as melanosomes, which create dark coloration. This process is regulated by melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), which can cause skin darkening. Melanin itself offers several advantages, including protection from UV radiation, heat absorption, camouflage, and improved visual acuity by absorbing stray light.234

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chromatophore
…their pigment, chromatophores are termed melanophores (black), erythrophores (red), xanthophores (yellow), or leucophores (white). The distribution of the chromatophores and the pigments they contain determine the colour patterns of an organism.
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…their pigment, chromatophores are termed melanophores (black), erythrophores (red), xanthophores (yellow), or leucophores (white). The distribution of the chromatophores and the pigments they contain determine the colour patterns of an organism.
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eel
Natural history
…farther forward, and the larval melanophores (black pigment cells) disappear. Other changes, such as the loss of the pectoral fins or a reduction of body length, may also occur.
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…farther forward, and the larval melanophores (black pigment cells) disappear. Other changes, such as the loss of the pectoral fins or a reduction of body length, may also occur.
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lizard
Scales and colour change
Melanophores are the pigment cells that permit colour change, and the concentration of pigment granules within these cells determine the type of colour that is produced. In general, the animal appears lighter coloured when pigment is concentrated and dark when pigment is dispersed throughout the…
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Melanophores are the pigment cells that permit colour change, and the concentration of pigment granules within these cells determine the type of colour that is produced. In general, the animal appears lighter coloured when pigment is concentrated and dark when pigment is dispersed throughout the…
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bioluminescence
The range and variety of bioluminescent organisms
…can be controlled either by melanophores scattered over the surface of the organ or by a black membrane that may be mechanically drawn over the organ. Control is brought about by the contraction and expansion of melanophores, or pigment granules. Expansion of the melanophores cuts off the light, whereas contraction…
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…can be controlled either by melanophores scattered over the surface of the organ or by a black membrane that may be mechanically drawn over the organ. Control is brought about by the contraction and expansion of melanophores, or pigment granules. Expansion of the melanophores cuts off the light, whereas contraction…
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melanocyte-stimulating hormone
…synthesis in cells known as melanophores (a type of chromatophore) and enables the animals to adapt their colouring to their environment. In those species, MSH-driven skin pigmentation typically occurs via photoreceptor stimulation (e.g., from light reflecting off a water surface), pituitary activation, and MSH release. However, local production of MSH…
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…synthesis in cells known as melanophores (a type of chromatophore) and enables the animals to adapt their colouring to their environment. In those species, MSH-driven skin pigmentation typically occurs via photoreceptor stimulation (e.g., from light reflecting off a water surface), pituitary activation, and MSH release. However, local production of MSH…
Read More