Redistribution of visual projections in altered optic tecta of adult goldfish

The retinotectal connections formed in adult goldfish after removal of the rostro-caudal strip of dorsal tectum were mapped electrophysiologically. Initial maps recorded 1 month after surgery revealed visual scotoma corresponding to the ablated tectum. Subsequent maps recorded 4-5 months after the operation showed that the entire visual field redistributed appropriately over the remaining tectum. It is suggested that, in spite of an abnormal optic tectum, the reformed projection demonstrates a tendency to retain its completeness.