Both seahorses and clownfish are voracious predators, relying largely on live, moving prey as a food source. Seahorses use a sit-and-wait pivot-feeding strategy in which they identify, track and accurately strike prey passing them in the water column, often while remaining attached to a holdfast. In comparison, clownfish actively pursue prey in the immediate area surrounding their host anemone, and whilst doing so orientate their entire body to feed. These feeding methods are both associated with different structural adaptations and gene expression within the eye. Here we present the results of our investigation into how the physical cellular organisation of the eye, and the expression of genes associated with detection of different wavelengths of light culminate in feeding success of two species (Hippocampus kuda and Amphiprion ocellaris). Specifically, we discuss how the organisation of photoreceptors and neural cells may enhance the transmission of light, and or, electrical signal through the retina and how gene expression may shift photoreceptor sensitivity to longer wavelengths of light.