Facts about Bioluminescent Organisms in the Ocean

1. 05

   Firefly squid (Watasenia scintillans) are bioluminescent organisms that use photophores covering their bodies to communicate and camouflage themselves through counterillumination.

   Bioluminescent Organisms in the OceanJun 6sharebiologymarineadaptation
2. 04

   Anglerfish use a bioluminescent lure called an esca, which is a modified dorsal fin spine filled with light-producing bacteria, to attract prey in the deep ocean.

   Bioluminescent Organisms in the OceanJun 6sharebiologypredationdeep-sea
3. 03

   Dinoflagellates, single-celled marine plankton, are among the most common bioluminescent organisms in the ocean and cause the glowing waves seen in coastal waters.

   Bioluminescent Organisms in the OceanJun 6sharebiologyplanktonlight
4. 02

   Bioluminescence in ocean organisms is produced through a chemical reaction between a compound called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase.

   Bioluminescent Organisms in the OceanJun 6sharechemistrybiologymarine
5. 01

   The majority of deep-sea animals, estimated at around 76 percent of species, are capable of producing bioluminescence.

   Bioluminescent Organisms in the OceanJun 6sharebiologyoceanevolution