Uric acid in the tapetum lucidum of mooneyes Hiodon (Hiodontidae Teleostei)

Abstract
Tapeta lucida (ocular reflectors) of mooneyes, Hiodon tergisus and H. alosoides , lie in the pigment epithelium, the processes of which are packed with reflecting particles and also contain melanin granules. The reflecting particles are tiny birefringent crystals. On the basis of chromatography, u. v. spectroscopy and enzymic degradation (with uricase), it is concluded that the reflecting material contains uric acid. Mooneye tapeta are compared with those of other teleosts.