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Article
Vision in the Hyperiid Amphipod Scina crassicornis
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
  • Jonathan H. Cohen, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution; Eckerd College
  • Tamara M. Frank, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2007
Abstract

Light microscopy and extracellular electrophysiology were used to investigate eye structure and visual physiology of the hyperiid amphipod Scina crassicornis, a mesopelagic species that emits unusually short-wavelength luminescence (λmax=435-444 nm). The overall eye morphology is most similar to some previously described deep-dwelling amphipods, though not other hyperiids. Electroretinograms suggest that S. crassicornis possesses a relatively sensitive eye with slow temporal dynamics, and a monochromatic visual system (λmax=472 nm). Vision in S. crassicornis is well-suited for life in mesopelagic waters, and its short-wavelength luminescence does not play a role in intraspecific sexual signalling.

DOI
10.1017/S0025315407056834
Comments

©2007 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

Additional Comments

National Science Foundation grant #: IBN-0343871

Citation Information
Jonathan H. Cohen and Tamara M. Frank. "Vision in the Hyperiid Amphipod Scina crassicornis" Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom Vol. 87 Iss. 5 (2007) p. 1201 - 1206 ISSN: 0025-3154
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/tamara-frank/48/