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Morphology of the eye and visual acuities in the settlement-intervals of some Coral Reef Fishes (Labridae, Scaridae)

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Abstract

The morphology of the retina and photoreceptors of settlement-interval larvae and early juveniles and some adults of 12 species of Caribbean labrids and scarids were examined using histological techniques. The retinal structure is described in these species and life intervals. Larvae have a pure cone retina and unorganized mosaic and organization into a square mosaic pattern occurs during metamorphosis. Early post-settlement juveniles have an organized mosaic with structures that may enable them to detect polarized and UV light. Visual acuities were calculated for all species and life intervals and acuities ranged between 86.6–29.4 min of arc in the settlement-intervals and 16–1.8 min of arc in the adults. The visual abilities of the settlement-interval fishes and the possibility of the use of vision during settlement are discussed.

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  1. Monica Renee Lara

    Present address: NOAA/SEFSC, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL, 33149, U.S.A.

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  1. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, P.O. Box 1346, Gloucester Point, VA, 23062-1345, U.S.A.

    Monica Renee Lara

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Renee Lara, M. Morphology of the eye and visual acuities in the settlement-intervals of some Coral Reef Fishes (Labridae, Scaridae). Environmental Biology of Fishes 62, 365–378 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012214229164

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