Scientists at MBARI recently deployed blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on our remotely operated submersibles to observe fluorescence in deep-sea animals and investigate the ecological roles of light in the deep sea. When we shined blue LEDs on the strawberry squid, Histioteuthis, we were surprised by an impressive light show. This squid has one normal-sized eye, and one extraordinarily large eye, which was brightly fluorescent, indicating the presence of a blue-absorbing fluorescent pigment. The fluorescent pigment most likely aids in capturing prey by breaking their camouflage. Many organisms have fluorescent structures, but we are still exploring what the natural functions of these fluorescent pigments are.

For more information on fluorescence and bioluminescence go to https://biolum.eemb.ucsb.edu

Video narration/animation/music/photos: Steve Haddock
Video editing: Kyra Schlining
Production support: Danielle Haddock, Linda Kuhnz, Lonny Lundsten, Nancy Jacobsen Stout, & Susan vonThun

https://www.mbari.org