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The ciliary photoreceptor in the teleplanic veliger larvae of Smaragdia sp. and Strombus sp. (Mollusca, Gastropoda)

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Abstract

The cerebrally innervated eyes of the veliger larvae of Smaragdia sp. and Strombus sp. are composed of a lens, a cornea, and an everse retina. The retina contains two different types of cells, ciliary sensory cells and supportive cells which bear one or two cilia. It is suggested that: (a) the ciliary photoreceptors of these teleplanic veliger larvae are correlated with a long pelagic life in the ocean, which can last up to twelve months, and (b) that structural details of the photoreceptors can change during ontogenesis (ciliary vs rhabdomeric). Furthermore, the cilia of the supportive cells apparently tranport lens material and thus play an important role in lens formation. A decomposition mechanism of pigment granules is examined.

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Abbreviations

bb :

basal body

bp :

basal plate

c :

cilium

cc :

corneal cell

cm :

ciliary membranes

cw :

ciliary whorl

ecm :

extracellular matrix

gr :

electron-dense granules

l :

lens

lb :

lamellar body

mp :

membranous pieces

mt :

microtubules

mv :

microvilli

n :

nucleus

oc :

optic cavity

on :

optic nerve

pg :

pigment granule

sc :

sensory cell

sj :

septate junction

spc :

supportive cell

v :

vesicles

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  1. Institut für Zoologie, Universität Wien, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090, Wien, Österreich

    Michael J. F. Blumer

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  1. Michael J. F. Blumer
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Blumer, M.J.F. The ciliary photoreceptor in the teleplanic veliger larvae of Smaragdia sp. and Strombus sp. (Mollusca, Gastropoda). Zoomorphology 115, 73–81 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00403256

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