Unique structure and optics of the lesser eyes of the box jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

The visual system of box jellyfish comprises a total of 24 eyes. These are of four types and each probably has a special function. To investigate this hypothesis the morphology and optics of the lesser eyes, the pit and slit eyes, were examined. The pit eyes hold one cell type only and are probably mere light meters. The slit eyes, comprising four cell types, are complex and highly asymmetric. They also hold a lens-like structure, but its optical power is minute. Optical modeling suggests spatial resolution, but only in one plane. These unique and intriguing traits support strong peripheral filtering.
Original languageEnglish
JournalVision Research
Volume48
Issue number8
Pages (from-to)1061-73
Number of pages12
ISSN0042-6989
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Bibliographical note

Keywords: Animals; Cubozoa; Eye; Female; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Models, Biological; Photoreceptor Cells, Invertebrate; Refractometry; Visual Fields; Vitreous Body

ID: 10453075