Morphological analysis of chromatophores in the skin of trout

The aim of the study was the morphological analysis of chromatophore cells in the skin of trout. Based on the material representing three species (brown trout, rainbow trout, and char), the histological examination of 60 specimens of the skin from dorsal, lateral, and ventral sides of the body was carried out. Histological analysis of the trout's dermis revealed the variability of chromatophores regarding their morphology, distribution in the skin, and physiological state. There were distinguished melanophores in the pigment aggregation state or pigment dispersion state. There were found two types of iridophores, containing light-reflecting platelets in the cytoplasm. Histological study demonstrated the changes in the trout's dermis connected with appearance of nuptial coat during the spawning season.