RETINAL ADAPTATIONS IN SOME BRAZILIAN TIDE POOL FISHES (TELEOSTEI)

Retinal adaptations to a tide pool environment in 10 spp. of fishes [Harengula jaguana, Gobiesox strumosus, Epinephelus sp., Trachinotus carolinus, Chaetodon striatus, Dactyloscopus sp., Blennius cristatus, Labrisomus nuchipinnis, Barbulifer ceuthoecus and Sphoeroides spengleri] belonging to as many families were studied. These fishes were grouped into typical or temporary tide pool inhabitants. The retinal structure of these forms were grouped into 3 categories; visually dependent (good acuity and sensitivity), specialized for dim environments (high sensitivity at the cost of acuity) and poor visual ability.