Effect of photic environments on the retinal gene expression of centrarchids (Centrarchidae)

To understand the effect of photic conditions on the expression of retinal genes in fish, RNA-seq from six species of centrarchids (Centrarchidae) from two lakes were compared. Visual systems in fish are often shaped by the light environment they inhabit, influencing both sensory and signaling traits. This study explores the phenotypic variation in the visual systems of six species of centrarchids inhabiting two contrasting light environments. We test the influence of species identity and light environment on retinal gene expression.