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Functional significance of the yellow lens in the eyes of Argyropelecus affinis

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Abstract

Bright yellow lenses were found in the eyes of the mesopelagic deep-sea fish Argyropelecus affinis Garman. The yellow lenses were studied spectrophotometrically and the eyes were examined histologically. Absorption spectra of the yellow lenses revealed three peaks at wavelengths of 405, 430, and 460 nm. Histological examination revealed the eyes to be typically tubular. The functional significance of the yellow lens in such deep-sea fishes is discussed.

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Communicated by M. Anraku, Nagasaki

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Somiya, H. Functional significance of the yellow lens in the eyes of Argyropelecus affinis . Marine Biology 34, 93–99 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390750

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