Definition

• A chromatophore cell is a cell or a structure within the cell that bears pigments of color. They are found in most amphibians, fish, reptiles, crustaceans and cephalopods. The chameleon is one well-known amphibian that has chromatophore cells that causes its skin to change color. Chromatophore cells contain pigment granules that contract to change colors in the animal. Both the skin and eye color of the animal are affected through these changes.
  
  

Subclasses

• Chromatophore cells come in subclasses, each featuring a specific color in the color palette. The colors of these mature chromatophores can become more evident under white light. These different subspecies include: xanthophores (yellow); erythrophores (red); iridophores (reflective or iridescent); leucophores (white); melanophores (black or brown); and cyanophores (blue). Warm-blooded animals also have chromatophore cells in their skin or eyes, some of which cause an iridescence in their skin or feathers. But only cold-blooded animals have been known to actually change colors because of chromatophore cells in the skin.
  
  

The Process in Which Chromatophore Cells Change Color

• Chromatophore cells generally exist in layers in the animal's outer skin. For instance, cells bearing red or yellow pigments exist in the top layer of the skin, while cells bearing blue or white pigments are found in the lower layers. The colors of the animal's skin change when the brain sends messages to these cells, causing them either to increase or decrease in size. This causes the cells to blend, creating a variance of colors that darken or lighten the outer skin or eyes. Melanin, another skin pigment, also causes the skin to darken, as the cell's fibers spread through the layers of pigment cells. Often, in most animals, these pigment cells change to act as camouflage or are affected by temperature changes in the air or ground.