Tübingen University anatomists discover unique fisheye with
two retinas – for better all-round vision in the ocean depths
The University of Tübingen’s Institute of Anatomy has
discovered a fish with a previously unknown type of eye. The aptly-named
glasshead barreleye lives at depths of 800 to 1000 meters. It has a cylindrical
eye pointing upwards to see prey, predators or potential mates silhouetted
against the gloomy light above. But the eye also has a mirror-like second
retina which can detect bioluminescent flashes created by deep-sea denizens to
the sides and below, reports Professor Hans-Joachim Wagner in the latest
Proceedings of the Royal Society.