Animal visual acuity comparison: the ranked data

The values behind which animal has the best eyesight: visual acuity in cycles per degree, flicker fusion in hertz, colour receptor classes and total field of view, ranked from the catalogue. Only measured values (evidence A or AU) are ranked; estimates are left out.

Method

One row per species page; reconstructions (fossils) are left out.
Ties: for receptor classes, ultraviolet first; then evidence A before AU; then name.
The position of people is 1 plus the number of animals with a higher value.
Receptor classes are not colours seen: an eye with more classes does not always tell more colours apart.
The fun page prints ratios to people only ("2× you"); the ratio is the animal's value divided by the human value.

Sharpest eyes: visual acuity

471 animals with a measured value (evidence level A or AU); people rank 8. The first 100 are listed; the full list is in ranks.json.

Visual acuity in cycles per degree, highest first
Rank	Animal	Value	Evidence	Sources
1	Wedge-tailed eagle Aquila audax	139 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024; Potier et al. 2020
2	Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus	135 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024; Potier et al. 2020
3	Indian vulture Gyps indicus	135 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
4	Griffon vulture Gyps fulvus	104 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
5	Brown falcon Falco berigora	73 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
6	Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes	64.28 cycles per degree	Measured	Veilleux et al. 2014
7	Common buzzard Buteo buteo	64 cycles per degree	Measured	Potier et al. 2020
8	You (people)	63.75 cycles per degree	Measured	Kirk et al. 2004; Veilleux et al. 2014
8	Mantled howler monkey Alouatta palliata	59.61 cycles per degree	Measured	Borges et al. 2018
9	Mexican howler monkey Alouatta caraya	59.61 cycles per degree	Measured	Veilleux et al. 2014
10	Green monkey Chlorocebus sabaeus	55.23 cycles per degree	Measured	Borges et al. 2018
11	Vervet monkey Chlorocebus aethiops	55.23 cycles per degree	Measured	Veilleux et al. 2014
12	White-faced sapajou Cebus capucinus	54.75 cycles per degree	Measured	Borges et al. 2018
13	Rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta	51.75 cycles per degree	Measured	Kirk et al. 2004; Veilleux et al. 2014
14	White-fronted capuchin Sapajus apella	50.77 cycles per degree	Measured	Kirk et al. 2004; Veilleux et al. 2014
15	Crab-eating macaque Macaca fascicularis	46 cycles per degree	Measured	Veilleux et al. 2014
16	Southern pig-tailed macaque Macaca nemestrina	46 cycles per degree	Measured	Veilleux et al. 2014
17	Harris's hawk Parabuteo unicinctus	43.7 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
18	Common kestrel Falco tinnunculus	43 cycles per degree	Measured	Potier et al. 2020
19	Bolivian squirrel monkey Saimiri sciureus	40.5 cycles per degree	Measured	Veilleux et al. 2014
20	Rock bass Ambloplites rupestris	40 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
21	Snowy owl Bubo scandiacus	38.3 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2024
22	Chimango caracara Milvago chimango	33.62 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Potier et al. 2020
23	Atlantic sailfish Istiophorus albicans	33.33 cycles per degree	Measured (not re-verified)	Caves et al. 2023
24	Mahi-mahi Coryphaena hippurus	33.33 cycles per degree	Measured (not re-verified)	Caves et al. 2023
25	Eurasian jackdaw Coloeus monedula	33 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
26	Eurasian magpie Pica pica	33 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
27	White marlin Kajikia albida	33 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
28	Black kite Milvus migrans	31.1 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Potier et al. 2020
29	American kestrel Falco sparverius	30.85 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
30	Common marmoset Callithrix jacchus	30 cycles per degree	Measured	Veilleux et al. 2014
31	Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius	30 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
32	Rook Corvus frugilegus	30 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
33	Barred owl Strix varia	29.3 cycles per degree	Measured	Potier et al. 2020
34	Collared large-eye bream Gymnocranius audleyi	27 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
35	Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis	25.46 cycles per degree	Measured	Veilleux et al. 2014
36	Wahoo Acanthocybium solandri	25 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
37	Skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis	25 cycles per degree	Measured (not re-verified)	Caves et al. 2023
38	Great grey owl Strix nebulosa	24.6 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2024
39	Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus	23.02 cycles per degree	Measured	Veilleux et al. 2014
40	Baird's smooth head Alepocephalus bairdii	22.9 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
41	Common blackbird Turdus merula	22.5 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
42	Common chaffinch Fringilla coelebs	22.5 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
43	Trumpet emperor Lethrinus miniatus	22 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
44	Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus	20.6 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
45	King penguin Aptenodytes patagonicus	20.4 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
46	Horse Equus caballus	20.2 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2024; Kirk et al. 2004
47	Greater amberjack Seriola dumerili	20 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
48	Little tunny Euthynnus alletteratus	20 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
49	Common ostrich Struthio camelus	19.32 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
50	Fieldfare Turdus pilaris	19.2 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
51	Northern hawk-owl Surnia ulula	19.2 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2024
52	Great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda	19 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
53	Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata	18.75 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2024
54	Little penguin Eudyptula minor	17.46 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
55	Eurasian skylark Alauda arvensis	16.95 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
56	Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis	16.8 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
57	Northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis	16.6 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2024
58	Yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares	16.4 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
59	Silverbelly Parequula melbournensis	16 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
60	Black vulture Coragyps atratus	15.23 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
61	Blue tuskfish Choerodon cyanodus	15 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
62	Chinese trumpetfish Aulostomus chinensis	15 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
63	Turkey vulture Cathartes aura	14.9 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
64	Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia	14.6 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2024
65	Grey wolf Canis lupus	14.57 cycles per degree	Measured	Veilleux et al. 2014
66	Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella	14.4 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
67	Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus	14.3 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2024
68	Convict grouper Hyporthodus septemfasciatus	14.3 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
69	Binocular fish Winteria telescopa	14.29 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
70	Red wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata	14.19 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
71	Chilean tinamou Nothoprocta perdicaria	14 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
72	Coral hind Cephalopholis miniata	14 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
73	Rock pigeon Columba livia	14 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
74	American barn owl Tyto furcata	13.6 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2024
75	Laughing kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae	13.5 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
76	Sacred kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus	13.5 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
77	Salmon smooth-head Conocara salmoneum	13.5 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
78	Smallscale smooth-head Bathytroctes microlepis	13.5 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
79	Banded archerfish Toxotes jaculatrix	13.3 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2024
80	Canada goose Branta canadensis	13.25 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
81	Sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus	13 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
82	Smallfin lanternfish Benthosema suborbitale	13 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
83	Ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus	12.9 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
84	Softskin smooth-head Rouleina attrita	12.7 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
85	Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus	12.5 cycles per degree	Measured (not re-verified)	Caves et al. 2023
86	Largehead hairtail Trichiurus lepturus	12.5 cycles per degree	Measured (not re-verified)	Caves et al. 2023
87	Great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo	12.45 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018; Caves et al. 2024
88	Ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus	12.1 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
89	Clown triggerfish Balistoides conspicillum	12 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
90	King mackerel Scomberomorus cavalla	12 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
91	Stripey Microcanthus strigatus	12 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
92	Portia jumping spider Portia fimbriata	12 cycles per degree	Measured (not re-verified)	Williams & McIntyre 1980
93	Mallard Anas platyrhynchos	11.9 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
94	Risso's smooth-head Alepocephalus rostratus	11.9 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
95	Chukar partridge Alectoris chukar	11.7 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
96	Greater scaup Aythya marila	11.2 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
97	Lesser scaup Aythya affinis	11.2 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
98	Northern shoveler Spatula clypeata	11.2 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2018
99	Hatchetfish Sternoptyx diaphana	11 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017
100	Oscar Astronotus ocellatus	11 cycles per degree	Measured	Caves et al. 2017

Fastest eyes: flicker fusion frequency

223 animals with a measured value (evidence level A or AU); people rank 82. The first 100 are listed; the full list is in ranks.json. The top value (Dragonfly (Sympetrum flaveolum)) is not among the curated presets and waits for a science review before it leads any social copy (PROVISIONAL).

Flicker fusion frequency in Hz, highest first
Rank	Animal	Value	Evidence	Sources
1	Dragonfly (Sympetrum flaveolum) Sympetrum flaveolum	300 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
2	Tsetse fly (Glossina pallidipes) Glossina pallidipes	282.5 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
3	Blowfly (Calliphora collini) Calliphora collini	240 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
4	Western honey bee Apis mellifera	220 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014; Lafitte et al. 2022
5	Tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans) Glossina morsitans	217.5 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014; Lafitte et al. 2022
6	Common crow Euploea core	208 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
7	Angled castor Ariadne ariadne	205 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
8	Lemon pansy Junonia lemonias	203 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
9	Common evening brown Melanitis leda	200.9 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
10	Bigclaw snapping shrimp Alpheus heterochaelis	200 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
11	Commander Moduza procris	199 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
12	Bull ant (Myrmecia croslandi) Myrmecia croslandi	188.7 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
13	African monarch Danaus chrysippus	187.5 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
14	Common eggfly Hypolimnas bolina	182 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
15	Mottled emigrant Catopsilia pyranthe	181.5 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
16	Common mormon Papilio polytes	174.8 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
17	Convolvus hawkmoth Agrius convolvuli	174.8 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
18	Plain grey hawkmoth Psilogramma increta	171 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
19	Tawny coster Acraea terpsichore	169 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
20	Bull ant (Myrmecia tarsata) Myrmecia tarsata	162.6 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
21	Giant redeye Gangara thyrsis	155.7 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
22	Common emigrant Catopsilia pomona	154.5 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
23	Bull ant (Myrmecia gulosa) Myrmecia gulosa	151.6 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
24	Common banded awl Hasora chromus	147.3 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
25	Common jezebel Delias eucharis	140.4 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
26	Hawk moth Macroglossum limata	140.4 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
27	Dot-underwing moth Eudocima materna	139 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
28	European pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca	138.2 Hz	Measured (not re-verified)	Boström et al. 2016
29	Green weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina	132 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
30	Collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis	128.1 Hz	Measured (not re-verified)	Boström et al. 2016
31	Grass demon Udaspes folus	126 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
32	Bull ant (Myrmecia vindex) Myrmecia vindex	125.2 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
33	Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus	124.5 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
34	Rock louse Ligia occidentalis	120 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014
35	European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax	117 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
36	Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater	114.7 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
37	Ground squirrel Callospermophilus lateralis	114 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013; Inger et al. 2014
38	Army green moth Daphnis nerii	113.3 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
39	Indian wanderer Pareronia ceylanica	113.2 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
40	Asian swallowtail Papilio xuthus	107 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
41	Common owl-moth Eupatula macrops	106.5 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
42	Coffee bee hawkmoth Cephonodes hylas	105 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
43	Lime butterfly Papilio demoleus	105 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
44	Chicken Gallus gallus	104 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
45	Yellow-pine chipmunk Tamias amoenus	104 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013; Inger et al. 2014
46	Eurasian red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris	103 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
47	Saker falcon Falco cherrug	102 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
48	Asian palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus	100 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
49	European starling Sturnus vulgaris	100 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013; Inger et al. 2014
50	Atlantic salmon Salmo salar	95.8 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
51	Blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus	91 Hz	Measured (not re-verified)	Boström et al. 2016
52	Common treeshrew Tupaia glis	90 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013
53	Fiddler crab (Tubuca signata) Tubuca signata	90 Hz	Measured (not re-verified)	Haarlem et al. 2026
54	Spiny chromis Acanthochromis polyacanthus	89 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
55	Rock pigeon Columba livia	88.5 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013; Lafitte et al. 2022
56	Domestic chicken Gallus domesticus	87 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014
57	Bull ant (Myrmecia midas) Myrmecia midas	84.6 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
58	Grey wolf Canis lupus	84 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
59	Housefly Musca domestica	83.3 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
60	Fruit fly (Drosophila hydei) Drosophila hydei	80 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014
61	Yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares	80 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
62	Rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta	78 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013; Inger et al. 2014
63	Harris's hawk Parabuteo unicinctus	77.7 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
64	Dog Canis familiaris	77.5 Hz	Measured (not re-verified)	Healy et al. 2013; Inger et al. 2014
65	Emperor Saturnia pavonia	75.8 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014; Lafitte et al. 2022
66	Anna's hummingbird Calypte anna	75 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
67	Striped bass Morone saxatilis	75 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
68	Cat Felis catus	75 Hz	Measured (not re-verified)	Lafitte et al. 2022
69	Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus	74.7 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013; Lafitte et al. 2022
70	Sammara squirrelfish Neoniphon sammara	70 Hz	Measured	Fogg et al. 2023
71	Short-eared owl Asio flammeus	70 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013
72	Southern pig-tailed macaque Macaca nemestrina	69 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
73	Green iguana Iguana iguana	68.5 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
74	Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis	68 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
75	Guppy Poecilia reticulata	67 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014
76	Three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus	67 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014
77	Cobia Rachycentron canadum	66 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
78	Migratory locust Locusta migratoria	65 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014
79	Anole lizards (Anolis cristatellus) Anolis cristatellus	64.2 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014; Lafitte et al. 2022
80	Anole lizards (Anolis pulchellus) Anolis pulchellus	63 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
81	American red squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus	62.5 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013; Inger et al. 2014
82	You (people)	60 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013; Inger et al. 2014
82	Atlantic spadefish Chaetodipterus faber	60 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
83	Northern tree shrew Tupaia belangeri	60 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014
84	Pig Sus scrofa	60 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
85	Spotted weakfish Cynoscion nebulosus	60 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
86	Sheep Ovis aries	60 Hz	Measured (not re-verified)	Haarlem et al. 2026
87	Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus	59 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
88	Australian emperor dragonfly Anax papuensis	57.1 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
89	Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) Drosophila melanogaster	57 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
90	Lattice soldierfish Myripristis violacea	56.7 Hz	Measured	Fogg et al. 2023
91	Silk moth Antheraea pernyi	56.2 Hz	Measured	Inger et al. 2014; Lafitte et al. 2022
92	Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix	56 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
93	Common hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus	56 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
94	Devil crayfish Lacunicambarus diogenes	56 Hz	Measured (not re-verified)	Haarlem et al. 2026
95	Tuatara Sphenodon punctatus	55.4 Hz	Measured	Healy et al. 2013; Inger et al. 2014; Lafitte et al. 2022
96	Purple-winged mantis Tenodera australasiae	55.3 Hz	Measured	Haarlem et al. 2026
97	House sparrow Passer domesticus	55 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
98	Red drum Sciaenops ocellatus	55 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
99	Spot croaker Leiostomus xanthurus	55 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022
100	Zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata	55 Hz	Measured	Lafitte et al. 2022

Most colour types: colour receptor classes

677 animals with a measured value (evidence level A or AU); people rank 127. The first 100 are listed; the full list is in ranks.json. The top value (Mantis shrimp) is not among the curated presets and waits for a science review before it leads any social copy (PROVISIONAL).

Colour receptor classes in receptor classes, highest first
Rank	Animal	Value	Evidence	Sources
1	Mantis shrimp Neogonodactylus oerstedii	13 receptor classes (334, 400, 429, 460, 474, 489, 500, 509, 520, 525, 528, 541, 551 nm, UV)	Measured	VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025; Porter; Feller et al. 2016
2	Keeled witch mantis Hemisquilla ensigera	13 receptor classes (414, 436, 443, 451, 473, 489, 499, 500, 501, 510, 518, 529, 535 nm)	Measured	Porter
3	Pastel odontodactylid mantis shrimp Odontodactylus cultrifer	11 receptor classes (402, 439, 452, 457, 460, 490, 495, 511, 524, 535, 589 nm)	Measured	Porter; Feller et al. 2016
4	Common banded mantis shrimp Lysiosquilla maculata	10 receptor classes (397, 416, 434, 461, 492, 499, 500, 516.5, 517, 538 nm, UV)	Measured	Feller et al. 2016; Porter
5	Common bluebottle butterfly Graphium sarpedon	10 receptor classes (360, 400, 460, 480, 500, 540, 560, 580, 600, 640 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023; van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG… 2021
6	Ciliated mantis shrimp Pseudosquilla ciliata	10 receptor classes (400, 425, 433, 452, 498, 498, 510, 517, 535, 539 nm)	Measured	Porter
7	Peacock mantis shrimp Odontodactylus scyllarus	10 receptor classes (400, 429, 430, 451, 487, 503, 506, 509, 528, 546 nm)	Measured	Porter
8	Monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus	8 receptor classes (330, 337.5, 435, 450, 525, 537.5, 570, 610 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Pirih et al. 2022; van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG… 2021; Belušič et al. 2021
9	Flap-necked chameleon Chamaeleo dilepis	7 receptor classes (383, 444, 481, 499, 568, 586, 605 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
10	Hawaiian flagtail Kuhlia sandvicensis	7 receptor classes (362, 436, 469, 476, 488, 498, 518 nm, UV)	Measured	Losey et al. 2003; Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
11	Japanese rice fish Oryzias latipes	7 receptor classes (356, 405, 439, 452, 493, 516, 562 nm, UV)	Measured	Frazer et al. 2024; Into the blue: Gene duplication and… 2009; Laver et al. 2011
12	Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus	7 receptor classes (360, 425, 458, 472, 517, 528, 560 nm, UV)	Measured	Frazer et al. 2024; Hofmann et al. 2009
13	Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) Drosophila melanogaster	7 receptor classes (331, 345, 371.5, 440, 480, 508, 520 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025; Longcore 2023; van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG… 2021; Kirwan
14	Celebes rainbowfish Marosatherina ladigesi	6 receptor classes (368, 452, 461, 481, 531, 557 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
15	Guppy Poecilia reticulata	6 receptor classes (359, 409, 465, 529, 542, 573 nm, UV)	Measured	VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025; Schweikert et al. 2018
16	Macculloch's rainbowfish Melanotaenia maccullochi	6 receptor classes (377, 409, 443, 495, 528, 578 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
17	Panther chameleon Furcifer pardalis	6 receptor classes (375, 444, 490, 559, 575, 604 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
18	Small white Pieris rapae	6 receptor classes (360, 420, 445, 563, 620, 640 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023; van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG… 2021; Porter et al. 2006; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
19	Golden mbuna Melanochromis auratus	6 receptor classes (376, 425.2, 458.5, 482, 525, 561.2 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Sabbah et al. 2010; Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
20	Purple mbuna Melanochromis vermivorus	6 receptor classes (418, 485, 503, 506, 534.5, 555 nm)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
21	Blowfly (Calliphora vicina) Calliphora vicina	5 receptor classes (335, 357.5, 460, 490, 530 nm, UV)	Measured	van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG… 2021
22	Bluefin killifish Lucania goodei	5 receptor classes (359, 405, 454, 538, 573 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
23	Dragonfly (Sympetrum rubicundulum) Sympetrum rubicundulum	5 receptor classes (340, 410, 490, 540, 620 nm, UV)	Measured	van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG… 2021
24	Hawaiian dascyllus Dascyllus albisella	5 receptor classes (359, 386, 463, 470, 514 nm, UV)	Measured	Losey et al. 2003; Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
25	Para molly Poecilia parae	5 receptor classes (355, 407, 456, 526, 543 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
26	Shortfin molly Poecilia mexicana	5 receptor classes (350, 402, 461, 537, 563 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
27	Tarpon Megalops atlanticus	5 receptor classes (364, 411, 451, 476, 551 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
28	Tawny dragon Ctenophorus decresii	5 receptor classes (383, 436, 491, 507, 569 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
29	Three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus	5 receptor classes (362, 439, 524, 576, 603 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
30	Wrestling halfbeak Dermogenys pusilla	5 receptor classes (377, 483, 526, 545, 572 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
31	Asian swallowtail Papilio xuthus	5 receptor classes (360, 400, 440, 520, 600 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Kelber et al. 2003; Longcore 2023; van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG… 2021
32	Housefly Musca domestica	5 receptor classes (335, 355, 460, 490, 530 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Kelber et al. 2003; Longcore 2023; van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG… 2021
33	Zebra mbuna Maylandia zebra	5 receptor classes (381, 427, 460, 482, 531 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Sabbah et al. 2010; Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
34	Barbour's seahorse Hippocampus barbouri	5 receptor classes (429, 460, 521, 537, 558 nm)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
35	Spotted boxfish Ostracion meleagris	5 receptor classes (416, 471, 479, 497, 520 nm)	Measured	Losey et al. 2003; Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
36	Spotted surgeonfish Ctenochaetus strigosus	5 receptor classes (453, 458, 501, 521, 548 nm)	Measured	Losey et al. 2003; Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
37	Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss	5 receptor classes (416, 453, 514, 530, 570 nm)	Measured (not re-verified)	Kirwan; Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
38	Amazon molly Poecilia formosa	4 receptor classes (352, 404, 463, 560 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
39	Anole lizards (Anolis cristatellus) Anolis cristatellus	4 receptor classes (365, 450, 500, 569 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
40	Anole lizards (Anolis grahami) Anolis grahami	4 receptor classes (365, 460, 495, 565 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
41	Anole lizards (Anolis gundlachi) Anolis gundlachi	4 receptor classes (365, 450, 490, 564 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
42	Anole lizards (Anolis lineatopus) Anolis lineatopus	4 receptor classes (366, 449, 498, 560 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
43	Anole lizards (Anolis pulchellus) Anolis pulchellus	4 receptor classes (367, 446, 495, 565 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
44	Anole lizards (Anolis sagrei) Anolis sagrei	4 receptor classes (365, 460, 495, 567 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
45	Asian palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus	4 receptor classes (366, 521, 537, 564 nm, UV)	Measured	van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG… 2021
46	Australian lungfish Neoceratodus forsteri	4 receptor classes (366, 479, 558, 623 nm, UV)	Measured	VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025; Schweikert et al. 2018
47	Blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus	4 receptor classes (371.5, 448, 503, 563 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
48	Brushland tinamou Nothoprocta cinerascens	4 receptor classes (369.5, 448, 498, 564 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
49	Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus	4 receptor classes (371, 440, 499, 566 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
50	Canary Serinus canaria	4 receptor classes (367.5, 443, 502.5, 570 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
51	Chilean tinamou Nothoprocta perdicaria	4 receptor classes (371, 440, 499, 566 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
52	Chocolate-dip chromis Chromis hanui	4 receptor classes (355, 470, 483, 514 nm, UV)	Measured	Losey et al. 2003; Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
53	Common blackbird Turdus merula	4 receptor classes (373, 454, 504, 557 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
54	Common garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis	4 receptor classes (360, 458, 482, 554 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
55	Crimson rosella Platycercus elegans	4 receptor classes (363, 440, 499, 566 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
56	Cut-throat finch Amadina fasciata	4 receptor classes (369.5, 448, 500, 563 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
57	Desert locust Schistocerca gregaria	4 receptor classes (339, 430, 477.5, 520 nm, UV)	Measured	van der Kooi CJ, Stavenga DG… 2021; Porter et al. 2006
58	European starling Sturnus vulgaris	4 receptor classes (362, 449, 504, 563 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
59	Gouldian finch Erythrura gouldiae	4 receptor classes (370.5, 440, 500, 563 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
60	Great horned owl Bubo virginianus	4 receptor classes (373, 454, 504, 555 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
61	Green anole Anolis carolinensis	4 receptor classes (365, 462, 503, 625 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
62	Green damselfish Abudefduf abdominalis	4 receptor classes (347, 457, 464, 519 nm, UV)	Measured	Losey et al. 2003; Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
63	Green sea turtle Chelonia mydas	4 receptor classes (360, 440, 502, 562 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
64	House sparrow Passer domesticus	4 receptor classes (371.5, 445, 503, 563 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
65	Jumping spider (Menemerus fulvus) Menemerus fulvus	4 receptor classes (360, 490, 534, 580 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
66	Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla	4 receptor classes (355, 453.5, 500, 568 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
67	Loggerhead Caretta caretta	4 receptor classes (379, 450, 495, 545 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
68	Longfin smelt Spirinchus thaleichthys	4 receptor classes (364, 465, 517, 572 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
69	Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus	4 receptor classes (363, 400, 463, 563 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
70	Ornate dragon lizard Ctenophorus ornatus	4 receptor classes (375, 440, 493, 571 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
71	Pacific sardine Sardinops sagax	4 receptor classes (393, 493, 522, 542 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
72	Penpoint gunnel Apodichthys flavidus	4 receptor classes (363, 441, 529, 567 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
73	Plum-headed finch Neochmia modesta	4 receptor classes (372.5, 443, 500, 565 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
74	Red-eared slider Trachemys scripta	4 receptor classes (360, 450, 518, 618.5 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023; Thermal Activation and Photoactivation of Visual… 2004
75	Rook Corvus frugilegus	4 receptor classes (372.5, 443, 497, 565 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
76	Rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus	4 receptor classes (355, 405, 505, 565 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
77	Surf smelt Hypomesus pretiosus	4 receptor classes (369, 461, 522, 570 nm, UV)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
78	White-headed munia Lonchura maja	4 receptor classes (373, 446, 500, 562 nm, UV)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
79	Zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata	4 receptor classes (370, 430, 503, 567 nm, UV)	Measured	Longcore 2023
80	Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus	4 receptor classes (372.2, 443, 500, 564.6 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Murphy et al. 2022; Longcore 2023
81	Goldfish Carassius auratus	4 receptor classes (360, 455, 532, 614 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025; Hárosi et al. 1974
82	Green-backed firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes	4 receptor classes (371, 448, 503, 560 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Murphy et al. 2022; Longcore 2023
83	Red-billed leiothrix Leiothrix lutea	4 receptor classes (355, 453.5, 500, 567.5 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Longcore 2023
84	Spotted bowerbird Chlamydera maculata	4 receptor classes (362, 449, 505.2, 563 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023; Murphy et al. 2022
85	Tooth-billed bowerbird Scenopoeetes dentirostris	4 receptor classes (373, 454, 506.3, 557.8 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023; Murphy et al. 2022
86	Zebrafish Danio rerio	4 receptor classes (362, 415, 480, 561 nm, UV)	Measured (not re-verified)	Kirwan
87	Bay pipefish Syngnathus leptorhynchus	4 receptor classes (404, 440, 524, 569 nm)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
88	Black prickleback Xiphister atropurpureus	4 receptor classes (449, 520.5, 559, 562 nm)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
89	Bluelined surgeonfish Acanthurus nigroris	4 receptor classes (439, 514, 523, 538 nm)	Measured	Losey et al. 2003; Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
90	Brightbelly sculpin Microcottus sellaris	4 receptor classes (435, 510, 520, 542 nm)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
91	Chicken Gallus gallus	4 receptor classes (418, 455, 507, 569 nm)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
92	Common buzzard Buteo buteo	4 receptor classes (405, 449, 504, 567 nm)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
93	Common ostrich Struthio camelus	4 receptor classes (405, 444, 505, 570 nm)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
94	Cook's cardinalfish Ostorhinchus cookii	4 receptor classes (453, 468, 506, 519 nm)	Measured	VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
95	Crucian carp Carassius carassius	4 receptor classes (449, 532, 608, 619 nm)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
96	Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae	4 receptor classes (405, 449, 504, 567 nm)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
97	Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus	4 receptor classes (405, 449, 504, 567 nm)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
98	European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus	4 receptor classes (406, 450, 503, 566 nm)	Measured	Longcore 2023; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025
99	Great bowerbird Chlamydera nuchalis	4 receptor classes (404, 446, 500, 562 nm)	Measured	Lind et al. 2014; Longcore 2023
100	Great sculpin Myoxocephalus polyacanthocephalus	4 receptor classes (443, 518, 521, 556 nm)	Measured	Schweikert et al. 2018; VPOD in-vivo (MSP / single-cell) lambda… 2025

Widest view: total field of view

30 animals with a measured value (evidence level A or AU); people rank 31.

Total field of view in degrees, highest first
Rank	Animal	Value	Evidence	Sources
1	Mallard Anas platyrhynchos	360°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
2	American woodcock Scolopax minor	360°	Measured (not re-verified)	Martin 1994
3	Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola	359°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
4	Black grouse Lyrurus tetrix	353°	Measured	Potier et al. 2026
5	Horse Equus caballus	350°	Measured (not re-verified)	Timney & Keil 1992
6	Eurasian thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus	345°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
7	Bonnethead Sphyrna tiburo	338.3°	Measured	McComb et al. 2009
8	Blacknose shark Carcharhinus acronotus	332.7°	Measured	McComb et al. 2009
9	Scalloped hammerhead shark Sphyrna lewini	331.7°	Measured	McComb et al. 2009
10	Squacco heron Ardeola ralloides	324°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
11	Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis	321°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
12	Black-crowned night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax	320°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
13	Western reef-egret Egretta gularis	320°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
14	Anhinga Anhinga anhinga	316°	Measured (not re-verified)	Pecsics et al. 2023
15	Rock pigeon Columba livia	316°	Measured (not re-verified)	Martin & Young 1983
16	Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus	310°	Measured (not re-verified)	Pecsics et al. 2023
17	Lemon shark Negaprion brevirostris	308°	Measured	McComb et al. 2009
18	Great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo	308°	Measured (not re-verified)	Pecsics et al. 2023
19	Northern tree shrew Tupaia belangeri	306.5°	Measured	Morris et al. 2025
20	Common loon Gavia immer	306°	Measured (not re-verified)	Pecsics et al. 2023
21	Goosander Mergus merganser	306°	Measured (not re-verified)	Pecsics et al. 2023
22	Brown rat Rattus norvegicus	295.4°	Measured	Morris et al. 2025
23	Common ostrich Struthio camelus	290°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
24	Manx shearwater Puffinus puffinus	285°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
25	Humboldt penguin Spheniscus humboldti	282°	Measured	Hadden et al. 2023; Hadden & Zhang 2023
26	Black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophris	271°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
27	Ferret Mustela putorius	271°	Measured	Morris et al. 2025
28	Grey-headed albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma	270°	Measured	Martin et al. 1999
29	Dog Canis familiaris	250°	Measured (not re-verified)	Miller & Murphy 1995
30	Tawny owl Strix aluco	201°	Measured (not re-verified)	Martin 1984

Ultraviolet receptors

125 animals have a measured receptor class marked ultraviolet, or a measured UV-sensitive eye.

Charts: The eye map: sharpness against speed · Every colour receptor on the spectrum

Back to the rankings · All sources