Clownfish have ultraviolet light vision: Study

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A joint study from the University of Queensland and the University of Maryland has found that a particular species of clownfish called the Amphiprion akindynos is able to see ultraviolet light.

Sara Stieb, a researcher involved with the study, explained in a University of Queensland news release that these fish live close to the water's surface, where UV light is able to easily penetrate through water.

The study says that part of these fish's eyes have photoreceptors that are able to detect both ultraviolet light and violet light. With UV light vision, the fish can identify their kind as white stripes on a clownfish reflect ultraviolet light.

This unique ability allows clownfish to communicate with one another over short distances as bigger fish aren't able to see UV light.

The fish also uses ultraviolet light to find food it typically eats such as zooplankton. These appear as darker dots as they absorb UV light, making it easier for clownfish to locate them.

Stieb said that the fact that these fish have this special ability makes sense because of their environment and what they consume.

RUNDOWN SHOWS:
1. Amphiprion akindynos clownfish species is able to see ultraviolet light
2. UV light penetrating through water
3. Why this fish is able to detect UV light
4. Clownfish reflecting UV light
5. Clownfish communicating with one another
6. Clownfish using UV light vision to find food

VOICEOVER (in English):

"A joint study from the University of Queensland and the University of Maryland has found that a particular species of clownfish called the Amphiprion akindynos is able to see ultraviolet light."

"Sara Stieb, a researcher involved with the study, explained in a University of Queensland news release that these fish live close to the water's surface, where UV light is able to easily penetrate through water."

"The study says that part of these fish's eyes have photoreceptors that are able to detect both ultraviolet light and violet light."

"With UV light vision, the fish can identify their kind as white stripes on a clownfish reflect ultraviolet light."

"This unique ability allows clownfish to communicate with one another over short distances as bigger fish aren't able to see UV light."

"The fish also uses ultraviolet light to find food it typically eats such as zooplankton."

"These appear as darker dots as they absorb UV light, making it easier for clownfish to locate them."

SOURCES: Science Daily, Scientific Reports, University of Queensland

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