Body Coloration Characterization and Proteomic Analysis of Diurnal Color Variation in Farmed <i>Larimichthys crocea</i>.

ABSTRACT: The large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is an economically significant aquaculture species in Asia, with skin coloration being a key quality attribute affecting consumer choice and commercial value. This study integrated morphological, biochemical, and proteomic approaches to investigate chromatophore characteristics, pigment composition, and diurnal body color variation in the large yellow croaker. Colorimetric analysis showed the highest yellowness, redness, and lightness values in ventral skin, followed by caudal skin, with dorsal skin showing the least yellowness. Three major chromatophores were identified: melanophores, xanthophores, and iridophores. Xanthophores were abundant in ventral and caudal skin, showing larger size and deeper pigmentation ventrally, while melano

SUBMITTER: Lin N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12896436 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature