marine bioluminescence

marine bioluminescence, heatless light generated chemically by marine organisms. Bioluminescence is exhibited by a wide variety of oceanic organisms, from bacteria to large squids and fishes. The light is emitted when a flavin pigment, luciferin, is oxidized in the presence of luciferase, an enzyme also produced by the organism. (The chemical system is like that of fireflies.) The light produced is usually blue-green, which in the electromagnetic spectrum is near the point of maximum transmission for seawater and which is most visible for many deep-sea organisms.

Marine plants are not bioluminescent, but several marine protozoans and marine animals are. Most of the homogeneous bioluminescence of the sea, the glowing wakes, is caused by the presence of blooming phytoplankton, notably the microscopic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans, as well as some jellyfish. Many small crustaceans, such as the Vargula hilgendorfi (also known as Cypridina hilgendorfii), which is 3 to 4 mm (about 1/6 inch) long, become bioluminescent when disturbed. Many squids emit luminous clouds when threatened. Some species of fish emit light in distinctive patterns or at regular intervals, permitting individuals to form or maintain schools. Some deep-sea fish, notably the anglerfish, possess lights in or near the mouth with which to attract and illuminate prey.