---
title: How Well Do Fish See Color?
date: 2018-08-02T09:00:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/how-well-do-fish-see-color-ca68359a-5f9f-4e3b-9c99-1433f7037426"
section: Articles
---
# How Well Do Fish See Color?

*August 2, 2018* — by [College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences Staff](/author/college-of-computer-mathematical-and-natural-sciences-staff)


> Biologists Study Cichlid Visual Perception and Behavior

[How Well Do Fish See Color?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUyye80EsKw)



UMD biology researchers and students are working with cichlids—among the most common and colorful freshwater fishes—to determine the limit of their ability to distinguish subtle color differences, and how it affects mating and other behavior. The fish have marvelously complex visual systems, with more than twice as many visual pigment genes as humans.


**Topics:** [Research](https://today.umd.edu/tags/research)


**Tags:** [Biology](https://today.umd.edu/topic/biology), [Research](https://today.umd.edu/topic/research)


**Units:** [College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-computer-mathematical-and-natural-sciences)