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Serum biliverdin as source of colouration upon sexual maturation in male blue‐throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus
Author(s) -
Gag M. M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.0022-1112.2006.01033.x
Subject(s) - wrasse , biliverdin , biology , zoology , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , biochemistry , heme , heme oxygenase , enzyme
The blue colour observed in the serum of female blue‐throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus was related to the presence of biliverdin. The biliverdin is probably stored in the female's serum until deposited in the skin upon transition to the male reproductive status, resulting in the brilliant blue colouration typical of males of this protogynous labrid species.