Retinal stimulation and pattern formation in the common sole solea solea (L.) (pisces: soleidae)

Abstract

In the common sole the formation of a melanophore pattern in the skin by rearrangement of pigment within the cells is released only by a background pattern if this pattern stimulates an area in the upper part of the retina. In harmony with the terms “B” area and “W” area introduced by (1936) for explaining shade adaptation in Xenopus, the term “P” (pattern) area is suggested for this retinal area. It is discussed in how far this “P” area gives an indication about the location of the releasing mechanism for the chromatic behaviour studied.