Melanophore

Melanophore is a cell containing the pigment melanin. Melanophores are found in the skin of many animals and are responsible for the coloring of their bodies.

Melanophores are able to accumulate and disperse melanin, which allows animals to change skin color for camouflage, thermoregulation, or intraspecific communication. The distribution of melanin in melanophores is controlled by the nervous and endocrine systems.

Melanophores play an important role in the formation of color and pattern on the skin of fish, amphibians, reptiles and some mammals. The study of melanophores is important for understanding the mechanisms of color changes in animals.