In vitro analysis of gene depression in goldfish choroidal melanophores.

The common goldfish depigments its larval choroidal melanophores as well as the skin melanophores for about two to three months following hatching. Thereafter it begins to show a characteristic xanthic coloration. This depigmentation is under the control of depigmentation genes Dp1 and Dp2. The larval choroidal melanophores of the common goldfish were cultured in vitro for more than four months without showing any sign of depigmentation. During the same period the skin and choroidal melanophores in the ACTH to the culture medium had no effect on depigmentation. The mechanisms of depigmentation in the goldfish are discussed.