Double cones (DCs), also known as twin cones in some literature, are two cone cells (colour detecting photoreceptors) joined together that may also be coupled optically/electrically.[1] They are the most common type of cone cells in fish, reptiles and birds, and are present in most vertebrates, though they have been noted as absent in placental mammals, elasmobranches and catfish.[2] There are many gap junctions between the cells of fish double cones.[1] Their function, if they have any unique function compared to single cones, is largely unknown; proposed uses include achromatic (non-colour vision) tasks such as detecting luminance, motion and polarization vision. [2]
Some double cones have members with identical visual pigments, while others have members with different cone types (members have a different peak absorption spectra).[3] Behavioural research on the reef dwelling triggerfish Rhinecanthus aculeatus has provided evidence that individual members of double cones can act as independent channels of color information.[2]
In a book about vision in fishes,[3] James Bowmaker writes that double cones tend to be sensitive to longer wavelengths of light than single cones. He also states that the single cones are usually smaller than the individual members of the double cones.[3][4]