Retinal Structure and Function in the Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) and Sauger (S. canadense)
In the sauger, Stizostedion canadense, the tapetum lucidum of the retina was found to be more highly developed than in the walleye, S. vitreum vitreum. The tapetum is uniformly distributed throughout the sauger's eye, whereas it reaches a comparable development only in the ventral region of the walleye's retina. Other structural differences also suggested that the sauger's retina is more sensitive to light than the walleye's. In both species, photomechanical changes in response to light- and dark-adaptation were restricted to the retinal epithelial pigment (melanin) and the rods. Electroretinographic recordings appeared to be correlated with the differences in tapetal development and habits of the two species. Key words: Percidae, Stizostedion vitreum vitreum, S. canadense, light intensity, retinal structure, histology, electrophysiology, behavior