Limnichthys fasciatus, the barred sand burrower, is a species of sandburrower. It is noted for its highly developed eyes, with a structure similar to the eyes of a chameleon, which has led it to be described as marine chameleon.[1] Its fully grown length measures between 20mm and 40mm. The species is native to reefs in the Indo-Pacific. The fish preys on plankton prey by surprise attacking it from a hiding in loose sand,[2] with only the eyes protruding from the sand.[3] [4]
See also: Chameleon vision. A unique property of this species is its vision. The cornea is 1/7th of the thickness of the entire eye, and has a convex shape due to a lens embedded in the cornea.[5] The cornea can focus, which allows the fish to have depth perception without moving its head. The lens itself is flattened.[1] Its eye is also notable for its high density of retinal ganglion cells compared to other species of fish.[4] Because of the rapid and accurate attack on prey, it is assumed the fish has good eyesight.