ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Chromatophores
;
Color change
;
Ultrastructure
;
Melanophores
;
Macrophages
;
Xanthophores
;
Cichlasoma citrinellum (Teleostei: Cichlidae)
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary We describe the histological basis of color metamorphosis in the polychromatic Midas cichlid, Cichlasoma citrinellum. Eight percent of the individuals in a natural population transform from gray with black markings to orange, simultaneously losing their ability to adjust coloration in response to background and social context. This trait is inherited. Light- and electron microscopy revealed that this transformation is a two-step process. First, the melanophores die, then macrophage-like cells remove the debris. As a result of this initial process, the underlying xanthophores become visible, producing the orange coloration. A similar process may occur in individuals that further transform to white, or go directly from gray to white.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00221733
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