Melanin

Pigment responsible for the black coloring of fish.

Melanin is a pigment substance produced by certain cells of the organism, called melanocytes. She is responsible for the color of the fish, but also for their protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun.

There are several types of melanin, which can be produced more or less depending on the species of fish and its natural environment. Eumelanic melanin is the most frequent and produces brown, black or gray colors. Pheomelanic melanin, on the other hand, produces red, orange or yellow colors.

Melanin is produced by melanocytes when the latter are stimulated by hormones or environmental factors. It is synthesized from tyrosine, an aminoacid present in the food of fish.

The fish have melanins in their skin, but also in their scales, their eyes and their internal organs. It plays an important role in the protection of them against UV, but also against parasites and infections.

In aquarophilia, it is important to take into account the color of the fish when choosing the species to be maintained in an aquarium. Indeed, some colors can be more sensitive to light and UV, and require an adapted lighting or filter. In addition, some fish have more or less present melanins depending on their stage of life, which can lead to variations in color during their growth.

It is also possible to modulate the color of the fish by playing on their diet and providing them with substances promoting the production of melanin, such as astaxanthine carotenoid. However, it is important not to abuse it, because a diet too rich in pigments can have harmful effects on fish health.

In summary, melanin is an important pigment for fish, which allows them to protect themselves from UV and external aggressions, but also to camouflage themselves in their environment. It plays an important role in the color of the fish and can be modulated by food and the environment.