Coloration

I can`t find anything particularly wrong with this usage, but the word (as it is used here) seems to be part of scientific vocabulary. It is not very common to find emotionally charged words (like excellent) in scientific texts, although your individual style or writing or the tone of your text may allow for such fluctuations.

I'm not sure that you can "give off" a coloration.

Thank you for the prompt replies, I really appreciate it.

I am writing a short article about sloths, and I was wondering whether to say an excellent coloration was correct or not. On the other hand, I definately agree with you saying that charged words are not very common in scientific texts, but as you mentioned before, it all depends on the style. It goes something like this:

AnonymousShould I change the word give off ?

You obviously use it in the sense of "produce" (heat, light or smell are the most usual collocations). Can coloration be produced? Yes, run an exact search on "produce coloration." Concerning the "give off coloration" phrase, it is extremely uncommon, but I dare say we shouldn't think of it as entirely incorrect.

Thanks again for your quick reply Andriy, you just cleared up my doubts.

AnonymousShould I change the word give off ?

"give off" normally means something like "emit" or "discharge". In other words, when X gives off Y, the thing Y, whatever it is, separates from X and is emitted into the surrounding milieu. This does not seem to be what you mean.

I underdand, how can I make it sound better?

AnonymousI underdand, how can I make it sound better?

algae grow on their fur, producing a coloration that provides an excellent camouflage

Much better! Thanks to both of you, you have been a great help.