The Losey Lab Research: Using UV

In the visible range of the spectrum, many fishes have transparent pectoral fins that are nearly invisible as they wave while swimming. In the UV, however, nearly all pectoral fins become dark and often contrast with a more reflective flank, and while swimming, the moving fin is analagous to a waving flag. Perhaps these fishes are communicating by semaphore! There are consistent differences between species in the wavelength at which transparency is lost, but we haven't been able to find pattern with regard to taxonomy or ecology. Below is shown Chromis ovalis, which has a highly visible pectoral fin only in the UV.

Chromis ovalis at 550 nm (in the green range of the spectrum)

Chromis ovalis at wavelengths shorter than 380 nm, pectoral fin back

Chromis ovalis at wavelengths shorter than 380 nm, pectoral fin forward

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