title: Comparative visual function in predatory fishes from the Indian River Lagoon.
abstract: Visual temporal resolution and spectral sensitivity of three coastal teleost species (common snook [Centropomus undecimalis], gray snapper [Lutjanus griseus], and pinfish [Lagodon rhomboides]) were investigated by electroretinogram. Temporal resolution was quantified under photopic and scotopic conditions using response waveform dynamics and maximum critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFmax). Photopic CFFmax was significantly higher than scotopic CFFmax in all species. The snapper had the shortest photoreceptor response latency time (26.7 ms) and the highest CFFmax (47 Hz), suggesting that its eyes are adapted for a brighter photic environment. In contrast, the snook had the longest response latency time (36.8 ms) and lowest CFFmax (40 Hz), indicating that its eyes are adapted for a dimmer environment or nocturnal lifestyle. Species spectral responses ranged from 360 to 620 nm and revealed the presence of rods sensitive to dim and twilight conditions, as well as multiple cone visual pigments providing the basis for color and contrast discrimination. Collectively, our results demonstrate differences in visual function among species inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon system, representative of their unique ecology and life histories.
authors: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida 34946, USA. dmccomb@fau.edu
authors: D Michelle
authors: DM
authors: McComb
authors: Stephen M
authors: SM
authors: Kajiura
authors: Andrij Z
authors: AZ
authors: Horodysky
authors: Tamara M
authors: TM
authors: Frank
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017753:Ecosystem; D004596:Electroretinography; D063366:Estuaries; D005399:Fishes / Q000502:physiology*; D005431:Florida; D020387:Food Chain; D008027:Light; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D011930:Reaction Time; D017949:Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / Q000502:physiology; D012168:Retinal Pigments / Q000502:physiology; D017948:Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / Q000502:physiology; D013045:Species Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D014785:Vision, Ocular
chemical_list: D012168:Retinal Pigments