ORCID Profile
0000-0003-2024-1568
Current Organisation
University of Queensland
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Behavioural Ecology | Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology) | Sensory Systems | Ecology | Psychology | Conservation and Biodiversity | Neurosciences | Life Histories (Incl. Population Ecology) | Sociobiology And Behavioural Ecology | Sensory Processes, Perception and Performance |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences | Other | Protected Conservation Areas in Marine Environments | Behavioural and cognitive sciences | Expanding Knowledge in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences | Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity | Biological sciences | Expanding Knowledge in Technology
Related Links
Publications
Concept learning and the use of three common psychophysical paradigms in the archerfish (Toxotes chatareus)
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 24-04-2014
Ancestral duplications and highly dynamic opsin gene evolution in percomorph fishes
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 29-12-2014
Abstract: Gene and whole-genome duplications are important evolutionary forces promoting organismal ersification. Teleost fishes, for ex le, possess many gene duplicates responsible for photoreception (opsins), which emerged through gene duplication and allow fishes to adapt to the various light conditions of the aquatic environment. Here, we reevaluate the evolutionary history of the violet-blue–sensitive opsins [short wavelength-sensitive 2 (SWS2)] in modern teleosts using next generation genome sequencing. We uncover a gene duplication event specific to the most erse lineage of vertebrates (the percomorphs) and show that SWS2 evolution was highly dynamic and involved gene loss, pseudogenization, and gene conversion. We, thus, clarify previous discrepancies regarding opsin annotations. Our study highlights the importance of integrative approaches to help us understand how species adapt and ersify.
Exogenous Material in the Inner Ear of the Adult Port Jackson Shark, Heterodontus Portusjacksoni (Elasmbranchii)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-01-2011
DOI: 10.1002/AR.21338
Abstract: Previous studies have suggested that the inner ear of some benthic species of elasmobranchs contain only exogenous material within their otoconial organs, a unique feature within vertebrates. However, these examinations have not accounted for the possibility of otoconial degeneration or used modern experimental methods to identify the materials present. Both of these issues are addressed in this study using inner ear s les from the adult Port Jackson shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni. A comparison of the otoconial mass in fixed specimens over short and medium time scales reveals that over those timescales the degeneration of calcium carbonate-based otoconia does not occur and confirms that calcium carbonate-based otoconia are not found within the otoconial organs of H. portusjacksoni. Additionally, microanalysis of the chemical composition and ultrastructure of the otoconial mass using energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy confirms that the entire otoconial mass is comprised of exogenous silicon dioxide particles, bound within a carbon matrix. This exogenous material is suggested to play an equivalent role to the otoconia found in other species of elasmobranchs, and allows both hearing and vestibular control to occur in benthic sharks that spend their lives foraging within a sandy substrate.
Spectral and spatial selectivity of luminance vision in reef fish
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 30-09-2014
Combination of the W boson polarization measurements in top quark decays using ATLAS and CMS data at $$ \sqrt{s} $$ = 8 TeV
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2020
Abstract: The combination of measurements of the W boson polarization in top quark decays performed by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations is presented. The measurements are based on proton-proton collision data produced at the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV, and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 20 fb − 1 for each experiment. The measurements used events containing one lepton and having different jet multiplicities in the final state. The results are quoted as fractions of W bosons with longitudinal ( F 0 ), left-handed ( F L ), or right-handed ( F R ) polarizations. The resulting combined measurements of the polarization fractions are F 0 = 0 . 693 ± 0 . 014 and F L = 0 . 315 ± 0 . 011. The fraction F R is calculated from the unitarity constraint to be F R = − 0 . 008 ± 0 . 007. These results are in agreement with the standard model predictions at next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics and represent an improvement in precision of 25 (29)% for F 0 ( F L ) with respect to the most precise single measurement. A limit on anomalous right-handed vector ( V R ), and left- and right-handed tensor ( g L , g R ) tWb couplings is set while fixing all others to their standard model values. The allowed regions are [ − 0 . 11 , 0 . 16] for V R , [ − 0 . 08 , 0 . 05] for g L , and [ − 0 . 04 , 0 . 02] for g R , at 95% confidence level. Limits on the corresponding Wilson coefficients are also derived.
Fish mucus versus parasitic gnathiid isopods as sources of energy and sunscreens for a cleaner fish
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-05-2015
Communication in coral reef fish: the role of ultraviolet colour patterns in damselfish territorial behaviour
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2004
Rapid colour changes in multilayer reflecting stripes in the paradise whiptail,Pentapodus paradiseus
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 15-10-2003
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.00599
Abstract: The Paradise whiptail (Pentapodus paradiseus) has distinct reflective stripes on its head and body. The reflective stripes contain a dense layer of physiologically active iridophores, which act as multilayer reflectors. The wavelengths reflected by these stripes can change from blue to red in 0.25 s. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the iridophore cells contain plates that are, on average, 51.4 nm thick. This thickness produces a stack, which acts as an ideal quarter-wavelength multilayer reflector (equal optical thickness of plates and spaces) in the blue, but not the red, region of the spectrum. When skin preparations were placed into hyposmotic physiological saline, the peak wavelength of the reflected light shifted towards the longer (red) end of the visible spectrum. Hyperosmotic saline reversed this effect and shifted the peak wavelength towards shorter(blue/UV) wavelengths. Norepinephrine (100 μmol l-1) shifted the peak wavelength towards the longer end of the spectrum, while adenosine (100μmol l-1) reversed the effects of norepinephrine. The results from this study show that the wavelength changes are elicited by a change of∼70 nm in the distance between adjacent plates in the iridophore cells.
A comparison of the external morphology of the membranous inner ear in elasmobranchs
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1002/JMOR.10812
Abstract: Studies on the elasmobranch inner ear have focused predominantly on a small group of sharks, particularly, carcharhinids. As a result, subsequent studies in other species have sub ided species into two main groups: those typical and those atypical of carcharhinid sharks. This study proposes a different set of inner-ear morphology groupings to those previously suggested. The inner ears from 17 species of elasmobranchs (representing both sharks and rays) are examined in this study and based on morphometric data some groups include both rays and sharks. Four groups are now proposed based predominantly on the shape and dimensions of the membranous otoconial organs, and characteristics of the semicircular canals. Evident morphological differences between the ear types belonging to the new groups include the membranes of the semicircular canals being bound to the otoconial organs in some species, while only being connected via the canal ducts in others, as well as clear variation present in saccular organ size. Previous studies examining variation in the inner ear have attributed differences to either phylogeny or functional significance. Results from this study suggest that neither phylogeny nor feeding strategy solely accounts for the morphological ersity present in the external morphology of the elasmobranch inner ear.
Ocular media transmission of coral reef fish — can coral reef fish see ultraviolet light?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2001
DOI: 10.1016/S0042-6989(00)00240-6
Abstract: Many coral reef fish are beautifully coloured and the reflectance spectra of their colour patterns may include UVa wavelengths (315-400 nm) that are largely invisible to the human eye (Losey, G. S., Cronin, T. W., Goldsmith, T. H., David, H., Marshall, N. J., & McFarland, W.N. (1999). The uv visual world of fishes: a review. Journal of Fish Biology, 54, 921-943 Marshall, N. J. & Oberwinkler, J. (1999). The colourful world of the mantis shrimp. Nature, 401, 873-874). Before the possible functional significance of UV patterns can be investigated, it is of course essential to establish whether coral reef fishes can see ultraviolet light. As a means of tackling this question, in this study the transmittance of the ocular media of 211 coral reef fish species was measured. It was found that the ocular media of 50.2% of the examined species strongly absorb light of wavelengths below 400 nm, which makes the perception of UV in these fish very unlikely. The remaining 49.8% of the species studied possess ocular media that do transmit UV light, making the perception of UV possible.
In situ orientation of fish larvae can vary among regions
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 14-10-2015
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS11446
Discrimination of human faces by archerfish (Toxotes chatareus)
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-06-2016
DOI: 10.1038/SREP27523
Abstract: Two rival theories of how humans recognize faces exist: (i) recognition is innate, relying on specialized neocortical circuitry and (ii) recognition is a learned expertise, relying on general object recognition pathways. Here, we explore whether animals without a neocortex, can learn to recognize human faces. Human facial recognition has previously been demonstrated for birds, however they are now known to possess neocortex-like structures. Also, with much of the work done in domesticated pigeons, one cannot rule out the possibility that they have developed adaptations for human face recognition. Fish do not appear to possess neocortex-like cells and given their lack of direct exposure to humans, are unlikely to have evolved any specialized capabilities for human facial recognition. Using a two-alternative forced-choice procedure, we show that archerfish ( Toxotes chatareus ) can learn to discriminate a large number of human face images (Experiment 1, 44 faces), even after controlling for colour, head-shape and brightness (Experiment 2, 18 faces). This study not only demonstrates that archerfish have impressive pattern discrimination abilities, but also provides evidence that a vertebrate lacking a neocortex and without an evolutionary prerogative to discriminate human faces, can nonetheless do so to a high degree of accuracy.
Same/different abstract concept learning by archerfish (Toxotes chatareus)
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 23-11-2015
Orientation of fish larvae in situ is consistent among locations, years and methods, but varies with time of day
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 28-05-2014
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS10792
Shape learning and discrimination in reef fish
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 07-2009
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.028936
Abstract: Coral reef fish live in a complex world of colour and patterns. If they are to survive they need to be able to correctly identify the things they see(e.g. predators, prey) and act accordingly (e.g. flee, feed). This paper investigates whether discrimination is limited to ecologically relevant stimuli or is in fact more adaptable. Our work focuses on the reef damselfish Pomacentrus amboinensis. Within a day or two of capture the fish demonstrated an ability to associate an arbitrary stimulus with a food reward and to discriminate the reward stimulus from a distractor matched along various physical dimensions. In our initial experiments the reward was directly associated with the target. In the final experiment, however, the reward was separated from the target in both space and time, thereby eliminating a weakness applicable to the majority of food reward experiments involving fish namely, the presence of olfactory cues emanating from the feeding tubes. All fish were not only able to solve this task but also showed anticipatory behaviour (also referred to as goal tracking). We conclude that freshly caught reef fish not only are able to quickly learn and discriminate between novel stimuli on the basis of shape but are also able to interpret stimuli as a predictor for the availability of food at a different time and place (anticipatory behaviour).
Visual Acuity in a Species of Coral Reef Fish: <b><i>Rhinecanthus aculeatus</i></b>
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1159/000356977
Abstract: Coral reef fish present the human observer with an array of bold and contrasting patterns however, the ability of such fish to perceive these patterns is largely unexamined. To understand this, the visual acuity of these animals - the degree to which they can resolve fine detail - must be ascertained. Behavioural studies are few in number and anatomical analysis has largely focused on estimates of ganglion cell density to predict the visual acuity in coral reef fish. Here, we report visual acuity measures for the triggerfish i Rhinecanthus aculeatus. /i Acuity was first assessed using a series of behavioural paradigms and the figures were then contrasted with those obtained anatomically, based on photoreceptor and ganglion cell counts. Behavioural testing indicated an upper behavioural acuity of 1.75 cycles·degree sup -1 /sup , which is approximately the same level of acuity as that of the goldfish i (Carassius /i i auratus). /i Anatomical estimates were then calculated from wholemount analysis of the photoreceptor layer and Nissl staining of cells within the ganglion cell layer. Both of these anatomical measures gave estimates that were substantially larger (7.75 and 3.4 cycles·degree sup -1 /sup for the photoreceptor cells and ganglion cells, respectively) than the level of acuity indicated by the behavioural tests. This indicates that in this teleost species spatial resolution is poor compared to humans (30-70 cycles·degree sup -1 /sup ) and it is also not well indicated by anatomical estimates.
Potential ultraviolet vision in pre-settlement larvae and settled reef fish—A comparison across 23 families
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.VISRES.2007.05.014
Abstract: After hatching, larvae of coral reef fishes experience a pelagic phase during which they are diurnal planktivores. It has been suggested that ultraviolet (UV) vision is beneficial for the detection of planktonic prey. Aims were therefore to investigate whether ocular media of pre-settlement reef fish differ from those of respective adults, and whether larvae have UV-transparent ocular media required for UV vision. The ocular media of 84 pre-settlement and 98 adult species belonging to the same families were measured and compared. We suggest that adult lifestyle rather than planktivory in general shapes the ocular media properties of pre-settlement larvae.
Facing the environment: onset and development of UV markings in young fish
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-08-2015
DOI: 10.1038/SREP13193
Abstract: Most colour patterns in animals represent an elegant compromise between conspicuousness to ensure effective communication with preferred receivers and camouflage to avoid attracting the attention of unwanted predators. Many species, including several coral reef fishes, overcome this conflict by using ultraviolet (UV) colouration and signalling, as these colours are visible only over short distances and are often invisible to their predators. Despite a great interest in their behavioural significance and ecological influence on survival, little is known about when these colours first develop on the bodies of free-living animals. Here we show for the first time that the UV facial patterns of a coral reef fish do not develop in captivity but only when juveniles experience the socio-behavioural conditions of their natural environment. Using field and laboratory experiments, we determined that the onset and early development of these UV facial markings did not occur at metamorphosis. Instead, juveniles developed the UV markings during their first two weeks on the reef. Exposure to different reef environments revealed significant plasticity in the development of these markings. The direct or indirect (through intraspecific interactions) exposure to predators is a likely candidate trigger for the plastic development of these UV markings in the wild.
Colour vision in coral reef fish
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 02-2008
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.012880
Abstract: Over many millions of years, sea creatures have developed a range of light reflectance properties. One ex le is the large variation in the patterns and colours of fish inhabiting the world's coral reefs. Attempts to understand the significance of the colouration have been made, but all too often from the perspective of a human observer. A more ecological approach requires us to consider the visual system of those for whom the colours were intended, namely other sea life. A first step is to understand the sensitivity of reef fish themselves to colour. Physiological data has revealed wavelength-tuned photoreceptors in reef fish, and this study provides behavioural evidence for their application in colour discrimination. Using classical conditioning,freshly caught damselfish were trained to discriminate coloured patterns for a food reward. Within 3–4 days of capture the fish selected a target colour on over 75% of trials. Brightness of the distracter and target were systematically varied to confirm that the fish could discriminate stimuli on the basis of chromaticity alone. The study demonstrates that reef fish can learn to perform two-alternative discrimination tasks, and provides the first behavioural evidence that reef fish have colour vision.
Ultraviolet absorbance of the mucus of a tropical damselfish: effects of ontogeny, captivity and disease
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2006
Communication in the Ultraviolet: Unravelling the Secret Language of Fish
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Date: 21-08-2013
Ultraviolet-B Wavelengths Regulate Changes in UV Absorption of Cleaner Fish Labroides dimidiatus Mucus
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 15-10-2013
Opsin Evolution in Damselfish: Convergence, Reversal, and Parallel Evolution Across Tuning Sites
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S00239-012-9525-0
Abstract: The visual system plays a role in nearly every aspect of an organism's life history, and there is a direct link between visual pigment phenotypes and opsin genotypes. In previous studies of African cichlid fishes, we found evidence for positive selection among some opsins, with sequence variation greatest for opsins producing the shortest and longest wavelength visual pigments. In this study, we examined opsin evolution in the closely related damselfish family (Pomacentridae), a group of reef fishes that are distributed widely and have a documented fossil record of at least 50 million years (MY). We found increased functional variation in the protein sequences of opsins at the short- and long-wavelength ends of the visual spectrum, in agreement with the African cichlids, despite an order of magnitude difference in the ages of the two radiations. We also reconstructed amino acid substitutions across opsin tuning sites. These reconstructions indicated multiple instances of parallel evolution, at least one definitive case of convergent evolution, and one evolutionary reversal. Our findings show that the amino acids at spectral tuning sites are labile evolutionarily, and that the same codons evolve repeatedly. These findings emphasize that the aquatic light environment can shape opsin sequence evolution. They further show that phylogenetic approaches can provide important insights into the mechanisms by which natural selection "tinkers" with phenotypes.
Temporal constraints on predation risk assessment in a changing world
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.08.059
Abstract: Habitat degradation takes various forms and likely represents the most significant threat to our global bio ersity. Recently, we have seen considerable attention paid to increasing global CO2 emissions which lead to ocean acidification (OA). Other stressors, such as changing levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), also impact bio ersity but have received much less attention in the recent past. Here we examine fundamental questions about temporal aspects of risk assessment by coral reef damselfish and provide critical insights into how OA and UVR influence this assessment. Chemical cues released during a predator attack provide a rich source of information that other prey animals use to mediate their risk of predation and are the basis of the majority of trait-mediated indirect interactions in aquatic communities. However, we have surprisingly limited information about temporal aspects of risk assessment because we lack knowledge about how long chemical cues persist after they are released into the environment. Here, we showed that under ambient CO2 conditions (~385 μatm), alarm cues of ambon damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis) did not degrade within 30 min in the absence of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), but were degraded within 15 min when the CO2 was increased to ~905 μatm. In experiments that used filters to eliminate UVR, we found minimal degradation of alarm cues within 30 min, whereas under ambient UVR conditions, alarm cues were completely degraded within 15 min. Moreover, in the presence of both UVR and elevated CO2, alarm cues were broken down within 5 min. Our results highlight that alarm cues degrade surprisingly quickly under natural conditions and that anthropogenic changes have the potential to dramatically change rates of cue degradation in the wild. This has considerable implications for risk assessment and consequently the importance of trait-mediated indirect interactions in coral-reef communities.
The prototype effect revisited: Evidence for an abstract feature model of face recognition
Publisher: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
Date: 24-03-2008
DOI: 10.1167/8.3.20
Do human activities influence survival and orientation abilities of larval fishes in the ocean?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2015
Abstract: The larval stages of most marine fishes spend days to weeks in the pelagic environment, where they must find food and avoid predators in order to survive. Some fish only spend part of their life history in the pelagic environment before returning to their adult habitat, for ex le, a coral reef. The sensory systems of larval fish develop rapidly during the first few days of their lives, and here we concentrate on the various sensory cues the fish have available to them for survival in the pelagic environment. We focus on the larvae of reef fishes because most is known about them. We also review the major threats caused by human activities that have been identified to have worldwide impact and evaluate how these threats may impact larval-fish survival and orientation abilities. Many human activities negatively affect larval-fish sensory systems or the cues the fish need to detect. Ultimately, this could lead to decreased numbers of larvae surviving to settlement, and, therefore, to decreased abundance of adult fishes. Although we focus on species wherein the larvae and adults occupy different habitats (pelagic and demersal, respectively), it is important to acknowledge that the potential anthropogenic effects we identify may also apply to larvae of species like tuna and herring, where both larvae and adults are pelagic.
Categorical face perception in fish: How a fish brain warps reality to dissociate “same” from “different”
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-05-2020
DOI: 10.1002/CNE.24947
UV vision and visual ecology of reef fish
Publisher: University of Queensland Library
Date: 2002
DOI: 10.14264/106216
Ultraviolet absorbing compounds provide a rapid response mechanism for UV protection in some reef fish
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHOTOBIOL.2016.04.020
Abstract: The external mucus surface of reef fish contains ultraviolet absorbing compounds (UVAC), most prominently Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs). MAAs in the external mucus of reef fish are thought to act as sunscreens by preventing the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), however, direct evidence for their protective role has been missing. We tested the protective function of UVAC's by exposing fish with naturally low, Pomacentrus amboinensis, and high, Thalassoma lunare, mucus absorption properties to a high dose of UVR (UVB: 13.4W∗m(-2), UVA: 6.1W∗m(-2)) and measuring the resulting DNA damage in the form of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). For both species, the amount of UV induced DNA damage sustained following the exposure to a 1h pulse of high UVR was negatively correlated with mucus absorbance, a proxy for MAA concentration. Furthermore, a rapid and significant increase in UVAC concentration was observed in P. amboinensis following UV exposure, directly after capture and after ten days in captivity. No such increase was observed in T. lunare, which maintained relatively high levels of UV absorbance at all times. P. amboinensis, in contrast to T. lunare, uses UV communication and thus must maintain UV transparent mucus to be able to display its UV patterns. The ability to rapidly alter the transparency of mucus could be an important adaptation in the trade off between protection from harmful UVR and UV communication.
Ultraviolet sunscreens in reef fish mucus
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 17-01-2008
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS07210
Complex, context-dependent decision strategies of archerfish, Toxotes chatareus
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2013
Monitoring coral bleaching using a colour reference card
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-06-2006
Occlusable corneas in toadfishes: light transmission, movement and ultrastruture of pigment during light- and dark-adaptation
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 07-2003
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.00401
Abstract: The toadfishes Tetractenos hamiltoni and Torquigener pleurogramma (Tetraodontidae) possess occlusable yellow corneas. We examine the light transmission and location of the yellow/orange pigment throughout the cornea, the temporal properties of pigment migration and the ultrastructure of the pigmented processes during light- and dark-adaptation. Each species was dark-adapted during the day and light-adapted during the night and then exposed to either sun illumination or darkness for different lengths of time (0–70 min). Movement of corneal pigment could be induced in both species regardless of time of day or night. The pigment was able to migrate in a dorsal or ventral direction and changed from minimal to maximal pigmentation within 60 min. Three types of transmission curves were found with varying degrees of transmission in the 400–500 nm waveband, indicating that the pigment distribution is not uniform across the cornea some areas of the cornea transmit near UV light, while others absorb blue light. The gradual change of the transmission characteristics in different areas of the cornea indicates the presence of different concentrations of a single type of pigment. Ultrastructural examination of the corneas showed that the layer containing the pigment is situated within the scleral cornea either surrounding (T. pleurogramma) or abutting (T. hamiltoni) an iridescent layer. Long sheet-like processes or chromatophores extending centrally from dorsal and ventral reservoirs are filled with pigment during the light-adapted state but empty in the dark-adapted state.
A Species of Reef Fish that Uses Ultraviolet Patterns for Covert Face Recognition
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.CUB.2009.12.047
Abstract: The evolutionary and behavioral significance of an animal's color patterns remains poorly understood [1-4], not least, patterns that reflect ultraviolet (UV) light [5]. The current belief is that UV signals must be broad and bold to be detected because (1) they are prone to scattering in air and water, (2) when present, UV-sensitive cones are generally found in low numbers, and (3) long-wavelength-sensitive cones predominate in form vision in those species tested to date [6]. We report a study of two species of damselfish whose appearance differs only in the fine detail of UV-reflective facial patterns. We show that, contrary to expectations, the Ambon damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis) is able to use these patterns for species discrimination. We also reveal that the essential features of the patterns are contained in their shape rather than color. The results provide support for the hypothesis that UV is used by some fish as a high-fidelity "secret communication channel" hidden from predators [7, 8]. In more general terms, the findings help unravel the details of a language of color and pattern long since lost to our primate forebears, but which has been part of the world of many seeing organisms for millions of years.
How Nemo Finds Home: The Neuroecology of Dispersal and of Population Connectivity in Larvae of Marine Fishes
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-05-2011
DOI: 10.1093/ICB/ICR004
Abstract: Nearly all demersal teleost marine fishes have pelagic larval stages lasting from several days to several weeks, during which time they are subject to dispersal. Fish larvae have considerable swimming abilities, and swim in an oriented manner in the sea. Thus, they can influence their dispersal and thereby, the connectivity of their populations. However, the sensory cues marine fish larvae use for orientation in the pelagic environment remain unclear. We review current understanding of these cues and how sensory abilities of larvae develop and are used to achieve orientation with particular emphasis on coral-reef fishes. The use of sound is best understood it travels well underwater with little attenuation, and is current-independent but location-dependent, so species that primarily utilize sound for orientation will have location-dependent orientation. Larvae of many species and families can hear over a range of ~100-1000 Hz, and can distinguish among sounds. They can localize sources of sounds, but the means by which they do so is unclear. Larvae can hear during much of their pelagic larval phase, and ontogenetically, hearing sensitivity, and frequency range improve dramatically. Species differ in sensitivity to sound and in the rate of improvement in hearing during ontogeny. Due to large differences among-species within families, no significant differences in hearing sensitivity among families have been identified. Thus, distances over which larvae can detect a given sound vary among species and greatly increase ontogenetically. Olfactory cues are current-dependent and location-dependent, so species that primarily utilize olfactory cues will have location-dependent orientation, but must be able to swim upstream to locate sources of odor. Larvae can detect odors (e.g., predators, conspecifics), during most of their pelagic phase, and at least on small scales, can localize sources of odors in shallow water, although whether they can do this in pelagic environments is unknown. Little is known of the ontogeny of olfactory ability or the range over which larvae can localize sources of odors. Imprinting on an odor has been shown in one species of reef-fish. Celestial cues are current- and location-independent, so species that primarily utilize them will have location-independent orientation that can apply over broad scales. Use of sun compass or polarized light for orientation by fish larvae is implied by some behaviors, but has not been proven. Use of neither magnetic fields nor direction of waves for orientation has been shown in marine fish larvae. We highlight research priorities in this area.
Signalling function of long wavelength colours during agonistic male-male interactions in the wrasse Coris julis
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 14-05-2014
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS10760
Behavioural evidence for colour vision in an elasmobranch
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 15-12-2011
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.061853
Abstract: Little is known about the sensory abilities of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays) compared with other fishes. Despite their role as apex predators in most marine and some freshwater habitats, interspecific variations in visual function are especially poorly studied. Of particular interest is whether they possess colour vision and, if so, the role(s) that colour may play in elasmobranch visual ecology. The recent discovery of three spectrally distinct cone types in three different species of ray suggests that at least some elasmobranchs have the potential for functional trichromatic colour vision. However, in order to confirm that these species possess colour vision, behavioural experiments are required. Here, we present evidence for the presence of colour vision in the giant shovelnose ray (Glaucostegus typus) through the use of a series of behavioural experiments based on visual discrimination tasks. Our results show that these rays are capable of discriminating coloured reward stimuli from other coloured (unrewarded) distracter stimuli of variable brightness with a success rate significantly different from chance. This study represents the first behavioural evidence for colour vision in any elasmobranch, using a paradigm that incorporates extensive controls for relative stimulus brightness. The ability to discriminate colours may have a strong selective advantage for animals living in an aquatic ecosystem, such as rays, as a means of filtering out surface-wave-induced flicker.
A modern soft-bottom, shallow-water crinoid fauna (Echinodermata) from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-12-2005
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