Changes in the scotopic vision of juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) with growth

Fish Physiol Biochem. 2011 Sep;37(3):693-700. doi: 10.1007/s10695-011-9469-0. Epub 2011 Feb 18.

Abstract

In cultured juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis), reducing the mass deaths caused by collision or contact with tank or net walls at night is a priority for seedling production. Pacific bluefin tuna is a visually dependant species, although its scotopic vision is poor. We recorded electroretinograms to investigate the visual function with growth in the dark-adapted eyes of juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna. Peak wavelengths of spectral sensitivity [38-62 days posthatch (dph), 77-167 mm standard length (SL)] were observed between 474 and 494 nm. Visual light sensitivity has a tendency to increase slightly with growth at 28-64 dph in individuals that measured 29-175 mm SL. However, visual temporal resolution did not significantly increase with growth at 38-62 days dph in individuals that measured 77-167 mm SL. These results suggest that the mass death continues between 28 and 64 dph because of low visual function and increasing swimming speed with growth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Animals
  • Aquaculture
  • Electroretinography
  • Housing, Animal
  • Night Vision / physiology*
  • Photophobia
  • Tuna / growth & development*
  • Tuna / physiology*