How Fish See in the Deep Deep Sea
University of Queensland scientists found the new cell type in the deep-sea pearlside fish (Maurolicus spp.), which have an unusual visual system adapted for twilight conditions.
The two pearlside species studied, Maurolicus muelleri (top) and Maurolicus mucronatus(bottom).
Credit: Dr Fanny de Busserolles / The University of Queensland
“Deep-sea fish, which live at ocean depths below 200m, are generally only active in the dark, so most species have lost all their cones in favour of light-sensitive rods,” Dr de Busserolles said.
“Previously it was thought that pearlsides had retinas composed entirely of rods, but our new study has found this isn’t the case,” Dr de Busserolles said.
“Humans use their cones during the day our rods at night, but during twilight, although not ideal, we use a combination of both.
“Pearlsides, being active mainly during twilight, have developed a completely different solution.
“Instead of using a combination of rods and cones, they combine aspects of both cells into a single and more efficient photoreceptor type.”
The researchers found that the cells – which they have termed “rod-like cones” for their shapes under the microscope – were tuned perfectly to the pearlsides’ specific light conditions.
the ventral bioluminescent photophores of Maurolicus muelleri viewed under fluorescent light.
“It improves understanding of how different animals see the world and how vision might have helped them to conquer even the most extreme environments, including the deep sea,” Professor Marshall said.
“Humans love to classify everything into being either black or white.
“However our study shows the truth might be very different from previous theories.
“More comprehensive studies, and caution, are needed when categorising photoreceptor cells into cones and rods.”
The study is published in Science Advances.
Contacts and sources:
Donna Lu
University of Queensland
Citation: Pushing the limits of photoreception in twilight conditions: The rod-like cone retina of the deep-sea pearlsides http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aao4709
Source: http://www.ineffableisland.com/2017/11/how-fish-see-in-deep-deep-sea.html
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