Meyer-Rochow, V.B.; Coddington, P.E. 2003. "Eyes and vision in the torrentfish, Cheimarrichthys fosteri." In: Fish Adaptations (Val, A.L.; Kapoor, B.G. eds.), Chapter 15, pp. 337-381, Science Publishers: Enfield (USA) and Plymouth (UK).
ISBN 1-57808-249-8
"When water characteristics change, fish have to adjust physiologically to these alterations in their habitat in order to survive as a biological identity. Physiological adaptation is a dynamic and never-ending process that has resulted in myriad fish groups adapting to the vast environmental diversity existing on the Earth. Moreover, adaptively modified organisms acquire greater ability to exploit the full range of natural environment, by adopting new modes of life in many situations. This book is a 'voyage' through Fish Adaptations, including new and not readily available information."
Abstract
Over the last 50 years, much work has been done on the visual ecology, physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, histology and behaviour of fishes. All of these aspects have been studied in detail for a great number of species.
Although it is known that most fish are dependent on vision in many aspects of their lives, very little work of this nature has been done on fishes from New Zealand waters. That which has been done is concerned only with marine species. No information on the visual physiology of any of our native freshwater fishes has been available to date.
This study is intended to bridge the gap, providing information which is complimentary to existing ecological data and acting as a basic foundation on which related, more specialized, projects may build. To this end, the interrelated disciplines of histology, electrophysiology and biochemistry are used to provide as broad a view as possible.
The current state of knowledge concerning torrentfish habitat, life-cycle and feeding habits is reviewed, taking into account the prevailing photic conditions of the waters in which torrentfish are found. Selected aspects of torrentfish biology are discussed in terms of visual function, highlighting those areas where a physiological investigation is essential to a proper understanding of this species. Some informal observations on torrentfish behaviour are included for consideration.
Links
NIWA Atlas of New Zealand Freshwater Fishes