Into the Pigmentation of Fish: A Physiological Perspective

The natures aim in imparting versatile colours to the fishes is to facilitate their survival and as a mode of communication. Colourations in fishes are highly correlated to their behaviour and habitat as morphological patterns always indicate the physiological functions. An evaluation of the colouration patterns together with the behavioural and physiological adaptation in the natural habitat cans interpret the evolutionary behaviour of the particular species. The basic purpose of colouration is to transmit information within species, between species for sexual as well as non-sexual causes. Besides, the peculiar colour patterns in some fishes will help in performing mimicry and camouflage for their life and survival. Thus, the studies on pigmentation will give insights into the physiology and behaviour. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct more studies on the regulation and evolutionary emergence of pigmentation pattern in different fish species. This will also help us to emulate and modulate coloration in fishes, contributing to the improvement of ornamental value of fishes.