Beautiful bioluminescent creatures from the sea

Researchers estimate that between 80 and 90 percent of deep-dwelling animals are bioluminous, creating light by mixing the pigment luciferin with luciferase, the enzyme that makes it glow. Glowing helps attract mates, lure prey or confound predators.

Image: Steve Haddock/Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

ABRALIOPSIS SQUID

This squid has small light organs on the underside of its body for camouflage. It uses this illumination to blend in with the sky, hiding its silhouette from predators watching from below.

Image: Steve Haddock/Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

ATOLLA

When attacked, it sets off a brilliant light display that can be seen for 300 feet. Researchers think the fireworks are intended to attract something even larger and fiercer. 

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Image: Steve Haddock/Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

Image: Steve Haddock/Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

Image: NOAA.

TOMOPTERIS

This sea worm, a polychaete, is one of the few creatures that make yellow light. If disturbed, it can let loose glowing sparks from foot-like appendages called parapodia. 

VAMPIRE SQUID

Neither a true octopus nor a squid, the vampire squid doesn't have ink sacs of little use in dark waters. When it's frightened, the vampire fires a gooey cloud of bioluminescent mucus, surprising attackers and giving it a chance to escape. Vampire squid also use photophores on their bodies' undersides to hide their outlines against the sky.

COLONIAL JELLY

This kind of jellyfish, which can grow to about 12 inches, controls its elevation in the water with a gas-filled float. Gas is released through a pore in the bottom of its float, which is refilled through secretions from a special gland.

Its luminescence is a mystery. Scientists think it startles predators, but it's just a best guess.

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