melanophores
/ˈmɛlənoʊˌfɔrz/
noun
- Plural of melanophore; cells in the skin of certain animals that contain melanin and help change color.
- The number of melanophores in a fish can affect its camouflage ability.
- In many reptiles, melanophores work together to create patterns.
- The frog's melanophores expanded when it moved to a darker surface.