Why might coelacanths have retained moderately large eyes rather than evolving the upward-facing tubular eyes seen in some other deep-sea species?

Answer

Their primary habitat of steep slopes and caves may not favor silhouette-based hunting

The fact that they lack tubular eyes suggests that their primary habitat, involving steep slopes and caves, may not favor a purely silhouette-based hunting strategy.

Why might coelacanths have retained moderately large eyes rather than evolving the upward-facing tubular eyes seen in some other deep-sea species?
animalfossilfisheyeCoelacanth