Introduction: The Importance of Colour in Fish

Colour is an important aspect of fish biology and behaviour. Fish come in a wide range of hues, from the bright and bold colours of tropical fish to the more subdued and camouflaged tones of fish that live in murky waters. Understanding why fish are different colours can give us insight into how they interact with their environment, other fish, and potential mates.

The Science of Colour: How Pigments Create Hues in Fish

The colours we see in fish are created by pigments that are produced by special cells called chromatophores. These pigments are responsible for the red, yellow, orange, and brown hues that we see in many fish species. Other pigments, such as melanin, create darker colours like black and brown. Structural colours, such as those found in iridescent fish, are produced by the interaction between light and specialized cells called guanine crystals. Fish can also change their colour in response to different stimuli, such as stress or mating behaviour. In some cases, the colours of fish can even be used to identify specific species or populations.