From Greek χρῶμα - color and Greek φορός - bearing.

Chromatophores are pigment cells located in the co-dermal layer of the skin. Chromatophores are distinguished as melanophores, erythrophores, xanthophores.

Star-shaped cells with many protuberances, including pigment grains. They determine the whole variety of fish colours. The difference in colour is achieved by the combination of different chromatophores: melanophores have black pigment grains, xanthophores - yellow, erythrophores - red; guanophores or iridocytes do not have pigment grains, but contain guanine crystals, thanks to which the fish acquires a silvery colour.