Photonic crystal light collectors in fish retina improve vision in turbid water

Science. 2012 Jun 29;336(6089):1700-3. doi: 10.1126/science.1218072.

Abstract

Despite their diversity, vertebrate retinae are specialized to maximize either photon catch or visual acuity. Here, we describe a functional type that is optimized for neither purpose. In the retina of the elephantnose fish (Gnathonemus petersii), cone photoreceptors are grouped together within reflecting, photonic crystal-lined cups acting as macroreceptors, but rod photoreceptors are positioned behind these reflectors. This unusual arrangement matches rod and cone sensitivity for detecting color-mixed stimuli, whereas the photoreceptor grouping renders the fish insensitive to spatial noise; together, this enables more reliable flight reactions in the fish's dim and turbid habitat as compared with fish lacking this retinal specialization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fishes / anatomy & histology
  • Fishes / physiology*
  • Goldfish
  • Light
  • Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / physiology
  • Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / ultrastructure
  • Predatory Behavior
  • Retina / anatomy & histology
  • Retina / physiology*
  • Retina / ultrastructure
  • Vision, Ocular*