Variation of architecture with size in the multiple-bank retina of a deep-sea teleost, Chauliodus sloani

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Abstract
The pure rod retina of mature Chauliodus sloani contains up to five banks of rods, but that of small specimens contains only one bank. New banks are added progressively as the fish grows. The size of the retinal cells remains approximately constant throughout the range, but, as the retinal thickness increases with growth and new banks are added, the density of nuclei in the outer nuclear layer increases. The density of total rods increases as new banks are added, but that of the vitread bank remains constant or falls slightly. The density of ganglion cells falls with growth, the estimated total in the retina rising to a maximum by about 100 mm standard length. Estimates of convergence ratio of total rods to total ganglion cells increase from about 7:1 in the smallest to about 200:1 in the largest specimens. Implications of the findings for the development and function of the multiple-bank retina are discussed.