As with xanthophores and erythrophores, in fish the distinction between iridophores and leucophores is not always obvious, but, in general, iridophores are considered to generate iridescent or metallic colours, whereas leucophores produce reflective white hues.
Igual que pasaba cos xantóforos e eritróforos, nos peixes a distinción entre iridóforos e leucóforos non sempre é evidente, mais, en xeral, considérase que os iridóforos xeran cores metálicas ou iridescentes, mentres que os leucóforos producen tons brancos reflexivos.