Fine structure of the retina of black bass, Micropterus salmoides (Centrarchidae, Teleostei)

Abstract

The structure of light- and dark-adapted retina of the black bass, Micropterus salmoides has been studied by light and electron microscopy. This retina lacks blood vessels at all levels. The optic fiber layer is divided into fascicles by the processes of Miiller cells and the ganglion cell layer is represented by a single row of voluminous cells. The inner nuclear layer consists of two layers of horizontal cells and bipolar, amacrine and interplexiform cells. In the outer plexiform layer we observed the synaptic terminals of photoreceptor cells, rod spherules and cone pedicles and terminal processes of bipolar and horizontal cells. The spherules have a single synaptic ribbon and the pedicles possess multiple synaptic ribbons. Morphologically, we have identified three types of photoreceptors: rods, single cones and equal double cones which undergo retinomotor movements in response to changes in light conditions. The cones are arranged in a square mosaic whereas the rods are dispersed between the cones.