Vanier Scholar Profile

Name: Shai Sabbah

School, department: Queen’s University, Department of Biology

Title of Research Project: The visual performance of cichlid fishes under dynamic photic conditions

Description of Research:

While humans can only see in three colours, fish can see in four—the additional being ultraviolet. Although extensive efforts have been made to understand how fish see, particularly in examining their colour vision, some factors have yet to be considered, such as the neural processes taking place within the eye and the rapidly fluctuating light levels in the underwater environment.

Shai Sabbah is studying the visual performance of Lake Malawi cichlid fish under changing light conditions; specifically, the way in which perception of colour plays a large role in communication and mate choice.

Sabbah will simulate the colour image perceived by male cichlid fishes when they see females and competitor males from the same species, or other species, under different environmental light conditions. These simulations offer an understanding into the complex interactions of visual inputs and between cichlids in varying underwater environments, showing not only how these fish perceive images but also the behaviour that perception elicits.  
 
Originally from Israel, Sabbah is pursuing doctoral studies in biology at Queen’s University.