Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (1): add | show Print this page

one publication added to basket [324604]
Controlled iris radiance in a diurnal fish looking at prey
Michiels, N.K.; Seeburger, V.C.; Kalb, N.; Meadows, M.G.; Anthes, N.; Mailli, A.A.; Jack, C.B. (2018). Controlled iris radiance in a diurnal fish looking at prey. Royal Society Open Science 5(2): 170838. https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.170838
In: Royal Society Open Science. The Royal Society: London. ISSN 2054-5703; e-ISSN 2054-5703, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keyword
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Michiels, N.K.
  • Seeburger, V.C.
  • Kalb, N.
  • Meadows, M.G.
  • Anthes, N.
  • Mailli, A.A., more
  • Jack, C.B.

Abstract
    Active sensing using light, or active photolocation, is only known from deep sea and nocturnal fish with chemiluminescent ‘search’ lights. Bright irides in diurnal fish species have recently been proposed as a potential analogue. Here, we contribute to this discussion by testing whether iris radiance is actively modulated. The focus is on behaviourally controlled iris reflections, called ‘ocular sparks’. The triplefin Tripterygion delaisi can alternate between red and blue ocular sparks, allowing us to test the prediction that spark frequency and hue depend on background hue and prey presence. In a first experiment, we found that blue ocular sparks were significantly more often ‘on’ against red backgrounds, and red ocular sparks against blue backgrounds, particularly when copepods were present. A second experiment tested whether hungry fish showed more ocular sparks, which was not the case. However, background hue once more resulted in a significant differential use of ocular sparks. We conclude that iris radiance through ocular sparks in T. delaisi is not a side effect of eye movement, but adaptively modulated in response to the context under which prey are detected. We discuss the possible alternative functions of ocular sparks, including an as yet speculative role in active photolocation.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors