ABSTRACT
Quantitative analysis of early pre-metamorphic larvae has identified cellular processes linked to prospective malpigmentation related to melanin-pigmentation. The relevance of such malpigmentation is discussed in terms of new understanding of melanin pigment functions in fish. The essential nature of melanin in fish is emphasized by its role in photic protection, in oxidative metabolic protection, and in protection of macrophages responsible for cellular defense reactions in fish. The results strengthen earlier indications that melanin production may have an unexpected relevance for growth and survival of marine flatfish larvae.
