Colouration in fishes

Abstract

A large number of teleostean fishes is brightly and brilliantly coloured. Colouration is due to presence of chromatophores containing various kinds of pigment granules in their skin and scales. Colouration in fishes provides them power of adjustment with surrounding and also enables them to survive. Various factors like temperature, light, diet, stimuli, nervous and hormonal changes affect functioning of chromatophores, leading to colour coordination and dispersion. Colour pattern in fishes is used for concealment camouflage, communication, warning and sexual recognition, besides having taxonomic importance.