Mr. Lara, Morphology of the eye and visual acuities in the settlement-intervals of some coral reef fishes (Labridae, Scaridae), ENV BIOL F, 62(4), 2001, pp. 365-378
The morphology of the retina and photoreceptors of settlement-interval larv
ae and early juveniles and some adults of 12 species of Caribbean labrids a
nd scarids were examined using histological techniques. The retinal structu
re is described in these species and life intervals. Larvae have a pure con
e retina and unorganized mosaic and organization into a square mosaic patte
rn occurs during metamorphosis. Early post-settlement juveniles have an org
anized mosaic with structures that may enable them to detect polarized and
UV light. Visual acuities were calculated for all species and life interval
s and acuities ranged between 86.6-29.4 min of arc in the settlement-interv
als and 16-1.8 min of arc in the adults. The visual abilities of the settle
ment-interval fishes and the possibility of the use of vision during settle
ment are discussed.