Fish vision science: every measurement

The vision values of all 496 fish on this site, one row each, with the evidence level of every value and the studies behind it. Species with enough measured values also have their own science page.

See fish on your photo

Who sees best among fish?

Sharpest detail

1You63.75 cycles per degree Measured
2Rock bass40 cycles per degree Measured
3Atlantic sailfish33.33 cycles per degree Measured*
4Mahi-mahi33.33 cycles per degree Measured*
5White marlin33 cycles per degree Measured
6Collared large-eye bream27 cycles per degree Measured

Fastest eyes

1European seabass117 Hz flicker fusion Measured
2Atlantic salmon95.8 Hz flicker fusion Measured
3Spiny chromis89 Hz flicker fusion Measured
4Yellowfin tuna80 Hz flicker fusion Measured
5Striped bass75 Hz flicker fusion Measured
6You60 Hz flicker fusion Measured

Measured values by dial

Dial	Species with a measured value
Colour	331
Sharpness	160
Field of view	2
Sharp zones (foveas)	2
Night vision	12
Motion (flicker fusion)	45

All fish, value by value

Evidence levels: how the tiers work. Studies: sources.

Vision values for fish, catalogue-v1
Species	Colour	Sharpness	Field of view	Sharp zones (foveas)	Night vision	Motion (flicker fusion)	Studies
Abyssal smooth-head Rinoctes nasutus	1 receptor class: 489 nm (MWS (green)) Measured (not re-verified)	12.3 cycles per degree Estimated	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	murphy_westerman2022_tableS1, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010, fishbase_v25.04
Achilles tang Acanthurus achilles	2 receptor classes: 501 nm (MWS (green)), 532 nm (MWS (green)) Measured	7.1 cycles per degree Estimated	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Estimated cone-dominated Estimated	51 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, losey2003_reef_fish, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010
African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni	3 receptor classes: 455 nm (SWS (blue)), 523 nm (MWS (green)), 562 nm (LWS (long)) Measured	2.9 cycles per degree Estimated	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	18 Hz Estimated	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010, fishbase_v25.04
Alaska pollock Gadus chalcogrammus	2 receptor classes: 442 nm (SWS (blue)), 516 nm (MWS (green)) Measured	6 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010
Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus	2 receptor classes: 509 nm (MWS (green)), 557 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated	2.4 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010
Amazon molly Poecilia formosa	4 receptor classes: 352 nm (UVS), 404 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 463 nm (SWS (blue)), 560 nm (LWS (long)) Measured yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Measured	6.7 cycles per degree Estimated	32.85° Group default	0 Group default split aerial/aquatic retina Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	67 Hz Estimated	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, fishbase_v25.04
Ambon damelfish Pomacentrus amboinensis	2 receptor classes: 502 nm (MWS (green)), 560 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated	1.36 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Measured cone-dominated Derived	89 Hz Estimated	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2024, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010, fishbase_v25.04
American yellow perch Perca flavescens	2 receptor classes: 535 nm (MWS (green)), 615 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated	3.5 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	23 Hz Measured	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010, fishbase_v25.04
Annular seabream Diplodus annularis	2 receptor classes: 458 nm (SWS (blue)), 537 nm (MWS (green)) Measured	9.091 cycles per degree Estimated	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	43.7 Hz Estimated	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, caves2023_depth, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010
Antarctic toothfish Dissostichus mawsoni	2 receptor classes: 414 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 490 nm (MWS (green)) Measured	7.692 cycles per degree Group default	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	51 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, caves2023_depth, caves2024, stieb2019_amphiprion
Antlered sculpin Enophrys diceraus	3 receptor classes: 428 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 513 nm (MWS (green)), 555 nm (LWS (long)) Measured	8.33 cycles per degree Estimated	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	10 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010
Asp Leuciscus aspius	4 receptor classes: 360 nm (UVS), 455 nm (SWS (blue)), 532 nm (MWS (green)), 614 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Estimated	4 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Estimated	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	43.3 Hz Estimated	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, PMC2203553_goldfish_cones, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001
Atlantic blue marlin Makaira nigricans	2 receptor classes: 535 nm (MWS (green)), 609 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated	8.333 cycles per degree Measured (not re-verified)	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	51 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2023_depth, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010, fishbase_v25.04
Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus	10 receptor classes: 378 nm (UVS), 415 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 451.5 nm (SWS (blue)), 476 nm (SWS (blue)), 482 nm (MWS (green)), 505 nm (MWS (green)), 506 nm (MWS (green)), 534 nm (MWS (green)), 535 nm (MWS (green)), 566 nm (LWS (long)) Group default yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Group default	7.692 cycles per degree Group default	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	59 Hz Measured	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, caves2023_depth, caves2024, stieb2019_amphiprion
Atlantic sabertooth Coccorella atlantica	3 receptor classes: 368 nm (UVS), 482 nm (MWS (green)), 503 nm (MWS (green)) Group default yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Group default	2.9 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	losey2003_reef_fish, pone0316789_fish_pigments, schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids
Atlantic sailfish Istiophorus albicans	2 receptor classes: 535 nm (MWS (green)), 609 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated	33.33 cycles per degree Measured (not re-verified)	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	51 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2023_depth, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010, fishbase_v25.04
Atlantic salmon Salmo salar	3 receptor classes: 441 nm (SWS (blue)), 535 nm (MWS (green)), 600 nm (LWS (long)) Estimated	3.645 cycles per degree Estimated	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	95.8 Hz Measured	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010
Atlantic silver hatchetfish Argyropelecus aculeatus	1 receptor class: 478 nm (SWS (blue)) Estimated	7.692 cycles per degree Measured (not re-verified)	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	murphy_westerman2022_tableS1, caves2023_depth, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010, fishbase_v25.04
Atlantic spadefish Chaetodipterus faber	2 receptor classes: 444 nm (SWS (blue)), 525 nm (MWS (green)) Measured (not re-verified)	7.692 cycles per degree Group default	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	60 Hz Measured	PMC3863422_midatlantic_reef_fish, caves2017, caves2023_depth, caves2024, stieb2019_amphiprion, pita2015_cyprinids
Australian brook lamprey Mordacia praecox	2 receptor classes: 515 nm (MWS (green)), 616 nm (LWS (long)) Group default	6 cycles per degree Group default	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	36.9 Hz Measured	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, caves2023_depth, caves2024, stieb2019_amphiprion
Avocet snipe eel Avocettina infans	2 receptor classes: 402 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 501 nm (MWS (green)) Group default	8.3 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	17 Hz Group default	pone0316789_fish_pigments, schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001
Baikal yellowfin Cottocomephorus grewingkii	2 receptor classes: 449 nm (SWS (blue)), 523 nm (MWS (green)) Measured	8.565 cycles per degree Group default	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	10 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, caves2023_depth, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001
Baird's smooth head Alepocephalus bairdii	4 receptor classes: 369 nm (UVS), 461 nm (SWS (blue)), 522 nm (MWS (green)), 570 nm (LWS (long)) Group default yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Group default	22.9 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010
Balbo sabretooth Evermannella balbo	1 receptor class: 480 nm (MWS (green)) Measured (not re-verified)	2.9 cycles per degree Estimated	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	murphy_westerman2022_tableS1, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010, fishbase_v25.04
Bald notothen Pagothenia borchgrevinki	1 receptor class: 489 nm (MWS (green)) Measured	7.692 cycles per degree Group default	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	51 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, caves2023_depth, caves2024, stieb2019_amphiprion
Banded archerfish science page Toxotes jaculatrix	3 receptor classes: 454 nm (SWS (blue)), 568 nm (LWS (long)), 574 nm (LWS (long)) Measured (not re-verified)	13.3 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Group default	0 Measured (not re-verified) ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Measured (not re-verified)	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	51 Hz Group default	species_v1:Temple et al. 2010, caves2024, pita2015_cyprinids, fishbase_v25.04, tetrapodtraits_3_0_1, PMC3863422_midatlantic_reef_fish
Banded astyanax Astyanax fasciatus	3 receptor classes: 449 nm (SWS (blue)), 547 nm (LWS (long)), 572 nm (LWS (long)) Measured	6 cycles per degree Group default	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, caves2023_depth, caves2024, stieb2019_amphiprion
Banded frogfish Halophryne diemensis	3 receptor classes: 444 nm (SWS (blue)), 521 nm (MWS (green)), 555 nm (LWS (long)) Group default	4 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	losey2003_reef_fish, pone0316789_fish_pigments, schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids
Barbour's seahorse Hippocampus barbouri	5 receptor classes: 429 nm (VS/SWS (violet)), 460 nm (SWS (blue)), 521 nm (MWS (green)), 537 nm (MWS (green)), 558 nm (LWS (long)) Measured	3.19 cycles per degree Estimated	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010
Barreleye (Monacoa grimaldii) Monacoa grimaldii	4 receptor classes: 369 nm (UVS), 461 nm (SWS (blue)), 522 nm (MWS (green)), 570 nm (LWS (long)) Group default yes: at least one receptor peaks in the ultraviolet Group default	5.7 cycles per degree Measured	32.85° Group default	0 Group default ventrotemporal area (high rgc density) Group default	diurnal Group default cone-dominated Group default	50 Hz Group default	schweikert2018_tableS1, vpod_in_vivo_scp, caves2017, pita2015_cyprinids, species_v1:Schwab et al. 2001, species_v1:Temple et al. 2010

Method: how we know what animals see. Accuracy: the census.