User:BCRacheBio/Malacosteus niger/Bibliography

Douglas, R.H., Partridge, J.C., Dulai, K.S., Hunt, D.M., Mullineaux, C.W., Hynninen, P.H., Enhanced retinal longwave sensitivity using a chlorophyll-derived photosensitiser in Malacosteus niger, a deep-sea dragon fish with far red bioluminescence, Vision Research, Volume 39, Issue 17, August 1999, Pages 2817-2832, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0042-6989(98)00332-0


 * Provides detailed explanation of M. niger’s two visual pigments absorption maximum in its retina (rhodopsin/porphyropsin pigment pair  with a single opsin bound to some of its photoreceptors which makes it sensitive up to 517-542 nm) compared to other red light producing stomiids (meanwhile Aristostomias and Pachystomias have a third pigment which allows them to see up to 588 nm and 595 nm); their red bioluminescence can reach up to 700 nm
 * Also states the typical visual pigment absorption maximum for most deep-sea fish (470-492nm)
 * The difference in visual pigment absorption maximum among M. niger and Aristostomias and Pachystomias proves independent evolution of this photosensitivity trait (likely attributed to difference in diet)
 * Includes a helpful diagram visualizing the bioluminescence/light absorption for M. niger compared to most other deep-sea fish; helpful visual for non-scientific people to recognize the difference in deep-sea fish photosensitizers
 * M. niger has an outer segment pigment that has a potential maximum absorption of 671 nm, but it has not been confirmed if this is naturally used by M. niger; this paper predicts that M. niger does not utilize this potential maximum absorption due to an increased amount of energy required to be sensitive to 671 nm.
 * M. niger has an outer segment pigment that has a potential maximum absorption of 671 nm, but it has not been confirmed if this is naturally used by M. niger; this paper predicts that M. niger does not utilize this potential maximum absorption due to an increased amount of energy required to be sensitive to 671 nm.

Kenaley, C. P., Exploring feeding behaviour in deep-sea dragonfishes (Teleostei: Stomiidae): jaw biomechanics and functional significance of a loosejaw, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, Volume 106, Issue 1, May 2012, Pages 224–240, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8312.2012.01854.x


 * This article analyzes the unique morphological structure of the loosejaw dragonfish.  It discusses how loosejaws are capable of opening their mouths wider and have a long jaw, which helps them capture larger prey.
 * Malacosteus Ayres (along with Aristostomias Zugmayer, Photostomias Collett, and Pachystomias Gunther) is unique from other stomiid genera because its jaw is 30% longer and has at least one accessory orbital photophore.

Schnell, N. K., Johnson, G.D. (2017) Evolution of a Functional Head Joint in Deep-Sea Fishes (Stomiidae). PLoS ONE 12(2): e0170224. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0170224


 * This article analyzes the unique anatomical structures of the head joint among species in the stomiid genera and assesses if their complex morphological structures confirms the phylogeny of the family.
 * It provides detailed anatomical terminology and information about the jaw, skull, head joint, notochord, and other parts that provide mandibular rotation for several species of stomiidae.  This information helps explain how these deep-sea creatures’ enormous mouth gapes function and the advantage they provide in their environment.

Somiya, H., ‘Yellow lens’ eyes of a stomiatoid deep-sea fish, Malacosteus niger, Royal Society, Volume 215, Issue 1201, p 481 - 489. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.1982.0055


 * Provides explanation as to how yellow eye lenses in M. niger improves the functionality of the perception of their red bioluminescence.
 * M. niger’s retinal structure of “ten layer elements” is similar to those found in shallow-water species, which also perceive red light (but from sunlight rather than bioluminescence)
 * Its eyes are made up entirely of rods and no cones.
 * The yellow lens helps to reduce blue light that reaches the retina, and increases the sensitivity to longer wavelengths, AKA red light, which benefits M. niger and its red bioluminescence.
 * “Yellow lenses of deep-sea animals may make it easier for them to discriminate faint but important ‘long-wave’ photosignals against the blue daylight of their deep-sea environment.”
 * Yellow lenses have also been identified in Echiostoma, which also produces red bioluminescence.

Sutton, T. T. (2005) Trophic ecology of the deep-sea Malacosteus niger (Pisches: Stomiidae): An enigmatic feeding ecology to facilitate a unique visual system?, Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers, Volume 52, Issue 11, pages 2056-2076. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2005.06.011


 * Includes geographical locations of where M. niger’s prey is found (calanoid copepods, micronekton, decapod shrimps, and decapods) and identifies the families the prey species fall under (Aetideidae, Euchaetidae, Sergestidae, and Aristeidae)
 * Stomiidae — the family that both M. niger and M. australis are a part of — are known to eat large prey, often bigger than the species themselves
 * Includes morphological information about M. Niger’s mouth and body length (average around 4.5mm)
 * Describes the digestion rate of M. niger - consumes and digests copepods within a diel cycle
 * Notes M. niger vertical distribution (500 - 1000m)
 * Identifies the three other species that utilize long-wave bioluminescence — Aristostomias, Pachystomias, and the beetle Phrixothrix
 * Mentions visual sensitivity of M niger’s eyes (peak absorbance at 425 and 460nm, blue light) -- its red bioluminescence is believed to only extend up to 2m