Reflective Light Modulation by Cephalopods and Fishes in Shallow Nearshore Habitats
Abstract
Camouflage mechanisms are not well known despite the general misconception that they are. Moreover, quantification of camouflage (especially of opaque organisms) is particularly wanting. We have four objectives: (1) Acquire imagery of camouflaged animals and their backgrounds in coral reef and temperate rock reef environments; (2) collect corresponding in situ irradiance and reflectance data from the animal and background; (3) Develop a suite of image analysis methods to quantify the type and degree of crypsis; (4) Construct a comparative digital photographic and video library of shallowwater marine animals in the camouflage categories of Uniform, Mottle and Disruptive. The central focus is on cephalopods (octopus, cuttlefish and squid) because they have the most diverse and changeable camouflage patterns known in biology. Several fishes with changeable coloration (groupers and flounders in particular) are studied comparatively.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA598738
Entities
People
- Charles F. Chubb
- Roger T. Hanlon
Organizations
- Marine Biological Laboratory