Motion detection in goldfish investigated with the optomotor response is “color blind”

The action spectrum of the optomotor response in goldfish was measured to investigate which of the four cone types involved in color vision contributes to motion detection. In the dark-adapted state, the action spectrum showed a single maximum in the range of 500-520 nm, and resembled the rod spectral sensitivity function. Surprisingly, the action spectrum measured in the light-adapted state also revealed a single maximum only, located in the long wavelength range between 620 and 660 nm. A comparison with spectral sensitivity functions of the four cone types suggests that motion detection is dominated by the L-cone type. Using a two colored, "red-green" cylinder illuminated with two monochromatic lights separately adjustable in intensity, it could be shown that motion vision is "color-blind": the optomotor response disappeared whenever "isoluminant" red and green stripes were offered. Under this condition, calculations revealed that the L-cones were only slightly modulated by the "red-green" stimulus.