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Two thousand feet down lurks the
baffling barreleye. What look to be its eyes are nostrils. Its real eyes
are tubes topped by green lenses adapted to catch light and let the
fish judge the gap from mouth to meal. (The pigment filters downwelling
light, making prey easier to see.) On top, a fluid-filled dome
shields the eyes from stinging animals without blocking the view.
Until recently scientists thought those baby greens were locked
in place, compounding a problem caused by their shape: extreme
tunnel vision. But this created a paradox. How does a fish that can
only look up nab prey with a mouth that faces front? Now, with
video and specimens captured from 2,000 feet below by a remotely
operated vehicle, Bruce Robison and Kim Reisenbichler of the
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute have solved the puzzle:
The eyes are actually quite mobile. In the “up” (default) position they
track food, such as krill falling from above. Then, muscles twitch and
pop the eyes forward to help the fish aim its bite. A barreleye also
cruises under jellies, eyeing food caught in their tentacles. Choosing
a target, it swings its body vertical and its eyes front, then swipes
the spoils. Like many deep-sea occupants, these fi sh seem downright
peculiar when examined up close, says Robison. “But they’re
actually nicely suited to the lives they lead.” —Jennifer S. Holland
Photo: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Posted by National Geographic Staff |
Filed Under:
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Comments
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
have you seen this before?
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
it's so interesting!I hope to know more about that.
There are really wonderful things in deep places.
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
This is just so amazing! Maybe there are more species deep down the ocean.
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
These animal pictures are useful, not the monsters u send me.
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
wow this was amazing discovery. two thumbs up nat geo! sadly not many divers are gonna get the chance of witnessing the fish live! cause they live in too deep.
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
isn't it amazing all the wonderful creatures that GOD has created. HIS love for us is evident in all the details and abilities that HE has afforded even HIS tiniest beings.
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
that is so amazing! i'm always excited to find out about new species, especially those in the ocean. i'll definately be showing this one to friends and family. :D
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
A whole world yet to be explored beneath the surface!
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
Amazing how much nature can twist things ......Nat geo site....gives us so much interesting info......really you guys doing an amazing job.....
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
it's awesome!!!
Jul 30, 2009 5PM #
Yeah, but how do they taste?
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