The Colours ofOphiocomina Nigra(Abildgaard): II. The Occurrence of Melanin and Fluorescent Pigments

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Abstract
The ophiuroid,Ophiocomina nigra, displays a colour variation ranging from black to yellow-orange. The pigment responsible for the dark colours has been studied histochemically and by means of chemical techniques applied to extracts. The solubility, oxidation-reduction, fluorescence and other chemical properties of this pigment indicate that it is a true melanin. The visible colour of die melanin depends upon its oxidation state in the integument. Fully oxidized pigment is dark brown; partially reduced pigment is fawn coloured.