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Science 16 March 1979:
Vol. 203. no. 4385, pp. 1109 - 1110
DOI: 10.1126/science.203.4385.1109
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Articles

Cryptic Bioluminescence in a Midwater Shrimp

JON A. WARNER 1, MICHAEL I. LATZ 1, and JAMES F. CASE 1

1 Department of Biological Sciences and Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara 93106

The mesopelagic shrimp Sergestes similis emits ventrally directed bioluminescence that closely matches the intensity of downward-directed illumination and is able to rapidly modify its light output to match changes in background intensity. Masking experiments show that the photoreceptors involved are the compound eyes or adjacent tissues. Light emission originates from modified portions of the hepatopancreas and is similar to oceanic light in angular distribution and spectral characteristics. Normally oriented animals respond minimally to upward-directed light.

Submitted on September 5, 1978
Revised on November 1, 1978


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