Multifocal lenses in coral reef fishes
Author
Summary, in English
The optical properties of crystalline lenses were studied in eleven species of coral reef fish from the Red Sea in Eilat, Israel. Three species each of diurnal planktivores, nocturnal planktivores and diurnal herbivores constituted three groups of animals with little within-group variability. In addition we studied two predators, which differed with respect to body size, prey preference, hunting method and diel activity period. All species studied have multifocal lenses. There were statistically significant differences in the optical properties of the lenses between the first three groups and between the predatory species. The properties of the lenses correlate well with known complements of visual pigments and feeding habits. Lenticular zones focusing ultraviolet light were found in two diurnal planktivores. The optical properties of the lens seem to be specifically adapted to the visual needs of each species.
Department/s
Publishing year
2007
Language
English
Pages
2923-2931
Publication/Series
Journal of Experimental Biology
Volume
210
Issue
16
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
The Company of Biologists Ltd
Topic
- Zoology
Keywords
- Red Sea
- spherical aberration
- chromatic aberration
- physiological optics
- color vision
- visual pigments
Status
Published
Research group
- Lund Vision Group
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1477-9145