page_title: Melanism
hierarchical_section_title: Melanism
caption_attribution_description: Guinea pigs are seen to be a very cute and wanted house pet. They are very friendly and if handled from an early age, they seem to enjoy being with their human companions. Cavia porcellus self made
context_page_description: The term melanism refers to black pigment and is derived from the Greek: μελανός. Melanism is the increased development of the dark-colored pigment melanin in the skin or hair.
  Pseudomelanism, also called abundism, is another variant of pigmentation, identifiable by dark spots or enlarged stripes, which cover a large part of the body of the animal, making it appear melanistic.
  The morbid deposition of black matter, often of a malignant character causing pigmented tumors, is called melanosis.
context_section_description: The term melanism refers to black pigment and is derived from the Greek: μελανός. Melanism is the increased development of the dark-colored pigment melanin in the skin or hair.
  Pseudomelanism, also called abundism, is another variant of pigmentation, identifiable by dark spots or enlarged stripes, which cover a large part of the body of the animal, making it appear melanistic.
  The morbid deposition of black matter, often of a malignant character causing pigmented tumors, is called melanosis.
caption: Melanistic guinea pigs are rare, and are used in rituals by Andean curanderos.[1]
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