Extra eyes direct light: spookfish

The eyes of the six-eyed spookfish direct additional light to the principal eyes for improved deep-sea vision via a third pair of accessory 'eyes.'

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Process information >
	Sense signals/environmental cues >
	Light - visible spectrum

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Treatments for blindness.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The six-eyed spookfish (Bathylychnops exilis) has an optical system that is unique in the animal kingdom. Unknown to scientists until as recently as 1958, and dwelling at depths of 330-3280 feet (100-1000 m), this slender pike-like fish has paired, downward-pointing, spherical organs housed within the lower half of its large eyes. These were once believed to be light-producing organs - bioluminescence is a common phenomenon among deep-sea fishes. Closer examination, however, exposed their much more extraordinary, true identity. In reality, these organs, now referred to as secondary globes, are accessory eyes. Each of these globes possesses its own lens and retina and probably serves to increase the spookfish's sensitivity to light (photosensitivity) within its dimly lit undersea realm.

"But this is not the only anomaly of its optical system. Scientists subsequently unfurled a further surprise associated with the fish's accessory eyes. Behind them is a third set of 'eyes,' even tinier than the secondary globes, but less sophisticated. These 'eyes' lack retinae. Instead, they serve merely to direct incoming light into the spookfish's principal pair of eyes, thereby enhancing these latter organs' powers of vision." (Shuker 2001:13)

About the inspiring organism

Javelin spookfish
Bathylychnops exilis Cohen, 1958
[Javelin spookfish]

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown

Some organism data provided by: FishBase
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Treatments for blindness.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Medical

References

Shuker, KPN. 2001. The Hidden Powers of Animals: Uncovering the Secrets of Nature. London: Marshall Editions Ltd. 240 p.

Extra eyes direct light: spookfish

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