Many animal species are able to perceive light wavelengths beyond those visible to humans. While numerous species are additionally sensitive to short wavelengths (UV), long wavelengths such as the near-infrared spectrum (NIR) are supposed to be unsuitable for visual perception. Here, we experimentally show that under exclusive NIR illumination, the cichlid fish Pelvicachromis taeniatus displays a clear foraging response towards NIR reflecting prey. Additional control experiments without prey indicate that the observed behavior is not a mere response to the NIR environment. These results give first evidence for NIR visual sensitivity in a functional context and thus challenge the current view about NIR perception. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.
CITATION STYLE
Meuthen, D., Rick, I. P., Thünken, T., & Baldauf, S. A. (2012). Visual prey detection by near-infrared cues in a fish. Naturwissenschaften, 99(12), 1063–1066. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-012-0980-7
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.