Chromatophore Mapping of the Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis biamaculatus) and the Effects of Morphological and Physiological Controls During Development

Diana Ward

Date of Award

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Demski, Leo

Keywords

Jewel Cichlid, Chromatophores, Melanophores

Area of Concentration

Marine Biology

Abstract

The jewel cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus) is used regularly as a model for behavior studies, commonly researched due to its unique color, ease in breeding, hardiness and prevalence in Florida. Studies have been focused on the role of color and patterns in fishes, examining its purpose in communication. Incomplete descriptions exist for the development of chromatophores for H. bimaculatus, with the most complete study to date by Baerends and Baerends-Van Roon (1950). For the present study, observations were carried out on the distribution and type of chromatophores across various stages in development. The fish were photographed to mark the location of cells, placed on different backgrounds and social colorations marked. A partial chromatophore map was created as well as a staging system based on chromatophore observations. Numerous colors and hues, and thus, many signals may be produced due to the layering and distribution of the pigment cells, as well as their motile abilities. The distribution of chromatophores undergoes changes until early adulthood, at which stage red hues from erythrophores allow mating intent and aggression to be displayed.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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