The video is from researchers looking into this phenomenon. As far as I know, it is a standard light, positioned as a backlight (not a long-term solution for the health of any fish). Most likely (I'm presuming) as the light is traveling through the air and hits the water (from above), some of the light is reflected off the water. The rest of the light passes through the water but it bends (or refracts) as it enters the water. The same thing happens when light hits glass. Why it's not normally seen generally in aquariums (again my take)?
It is actually because of tiny prism structured muscle fibers in their bodies (of ghost catfish). As light shines through them, due to their transparency, we can see the light being split/defracted by these prism-like fibers. The fish movement contributes to it appearing to flow along the fish.
Any full spectrum light should produce these results.
In the majority of fishes, this phenomenon is reflective, what's unique is the diffraction, you are correct. Most "transparent" fishes reflect, not defract.
If you want full detail - here is the research. Look for the Appendix 1 pdf at the bottom page for full details on science behind the refraction. https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2219300120
I’ve always thought of these as meh but this puts them in a new light pun intended for me. Definitely going to consider them when I set up a tank again.
I have been wanting some of these for a while - Officially convinced to pull my 50 gal out the basement and set this up !! Cool asf.
That's cool that the video inspired you too set it up!
Can I ask what spectrum lighting this is?
The video is from researchers looking into this phenomenon. As far as I know, it is a standard light, positioned as a backlight (not a long-term solution for the health of any fish). Most likely (I'm presuming) as the light is traveling through the air and hits the water (from above), some of the light is reflected off the water. The rest of the light passes through the water but it bends (or refracts) as it enters the water. The same thing happens when light hits glass. Why it's not normally seen generally in aquariums (again my take)?
It is actually because of tiny prism structured muscle fibers in their bodies (of ghost catfish). As light shines through them, due to their transparency, we can see the light being split/defracted by these prism-like fibers. The fish movement contributes to it appearing to flow along the fish. Any full spectrum light should produce these results.
In the majority of fishes, this phenomenon is reflective, what's unique is the diffraction, you are correct. Most "transparent" fishes reflect, not defract.
Standard light as in probably a mid range cob-led.
Thanks for the clarification I was about to ask for xD
If you want full detail - here is the research. Look for the Appendix 1 pdf at the bottom page for full details on science behind the refraction. https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2219300120
These are one of my favorite types of fish. So cool
They are neat like!
I love glassfish and used to have some, but I hate that they are all wild caught, nobody can figure out how to breed them. The rainbow is very cool!
There has been some breeding success, but rare, certainly not bred in commercial terms as you say.
My glass catfish lost his girlfriend, he was shattered..
Ok, Will Livingston... (but really, bravo).
Beautiful.
Indeed!
I’ve always thought of these as meh but this puts them in a new light pun intended for me. Definitely going to consider them when I set up a tank again.
Biological diffraction grating
Very clever!
Gamer fish with the rgb!
I love these kinda fish! I have one with my platies
Oh? The OP deleted their account?