The Spectral Sensitivity of the Goldfish and the Clawed Toad Tadpole Under Photopic Conditions

Abstract

1. Photopic spectral sensitivity curves have been obtained by means of the optomotor response for the tadpole of the clawed toad (Xenopus laevis), and for the goldfish (Carassius auratus). Both these animals have visual pigments based on vitamin A2, and would be expected therefore to have photopic sensitivity curves maximal at about 615 mµ and fitting, at any rate approximately, the absorption spectrum of cyanopsin. 2. The results with Xenopus show a broad curve extending far into the red, and having its maximal sensitivity at about 630 mµ It is probable that this curve reflects the summated activity of two receptors, maximally sensitive at 610 and 630 m/t. 3. The results are discussed in relation to other behavioural work with Xenopus, using the phototactic response, in which an entirely different form of spectral curve was obtained, and in relation to behavioural and physiological data which are available for Rana. 4. The photopic curve of the goldfish shows three humps, which can be separated out to a large extent by using different background illuminations. One hump is maximal at about 610 mµ, the classical position for cone sensitivity in freshwater fish. A second hump is maximal at about 530 mµ and is probably due to the rods, and the third hump is maximal at about 450 mµ in the blue. The relation of these three receptors to colour vision in this animal are discussed.