The primary structure and distribution of killifish visual pigments.

Five cDNA fragments (KFH-R, -V, -G, -B and -Rh) encoding the putative visual pigments of killifish were isolated and sequenced. Judging from the deduced amino acid sequences, each cDNA falls into a different group of the five major families of vertebrate visual pigment genes. In situ hybridization localized the mRNA of KFH-R and -G to the principle and accessory members, respectively, of double cones. Visual pigment genes KFH-Rh, -B and -V were expressed in the rods, and the long and short single cones, respectively. It is suggested that the relationships between the cell types and their respective visual pigment gene groups may be a common pattern among teleost fishes.