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15 Beautiful All-Black Melanistic Animals

Melanism is hereditary genetic mutation that results in the development of a dark-colored pigment, melanin, in the skin. It is the opposite of albinism, however unlike albinism, it's not thought to occur in humans. The result? unique and beautiful all-black animals, serving as stark reminders of the diversity of nature, for us all to admire and enjoy:
 
Melanistic wolves are much less common than their white, gray or brown counterparts.
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This Ayam Cemani rooster is from a rare Indonesian breed. Specimens cost some $2,500 apiece.
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There are 12 different species of feline prone to melanism. This is a serval.
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This jaguar has incomplete melanism - it's only partially black.
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A rather unique-looking giraffe!
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Although melanism usually arises as a result of environmental conditions, that isn't always the case. Flamingos are a good example.
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A royal penguin with melanism.
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Have you ever seen a deer that looks like this?
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Even domestic animals, such as this Pomeranian, are affected by melanism.
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A squirrel that's this color is certainly a rare sight!
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Melanism skips a generation, so this elephant's grandparents would have carried the gene.
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An all-black butterfly is a beautiful creature.
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Over time, new cases have been found in species that were thought not to have melanism. 
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Reptiles actually benefit from melanism because black is a poor light reflector, meaning their bodies retain heat better.
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Melanism exists both on land and in water, as this goldfish shows.
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Content and Image Source: Bright Side
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