ABSTRACT. – The skin of coleoid cephalopods is a complex tissue that allows the rapid display of numerous changing or static patterns for communication and camouflage. Chromatophores, iridophores, and leucophores are responsible for these properties. Chromatophores are pigmentary neuromuscular organs, directly controlled by the brain. Iridophores are iridescent cells that use platelets of proteins that are arranged into repetitive structures (iridosomes) to produce iridescence; and leucophores are perfect reflectors. The same family of protein (reflectins), initially characterized in iridophores, have been detected (at different levels) in the three structures. Here we review the current knowledge of adult skin and its nervous control and describe the establishment of chromatophores and iridophores during embryonic development in Sepia officinalis.