Sneaky squid.It's no secret: Many fish can glow using bioluminescence bioluminescence (bī'ōl  'mĭnĕs`əns), production of light by living organisms. (light made by a chemical reaction in living tissue). But now, researchers have discovered special tissues that make the built-in nightlight of one tiny squid extraordinary. The Hawaiian bobtail squid The Hawaiian Bobtail Squid (Euprymna scolopes) is a species of bobtail squid native to the central Pacific Ocean, where it occurs in shallow coastal waters off the Hawaiian Islands and Midway Island.[1][2] E. has an organ in its belly that works like a flashlight, says Wendy Crookes, a biologist at the University of Hawaii (body, education) University of Hawaii - A University spread over 10 campuses on 4 islands throughout the state. http://hawaii.edu/uhinfo.html. See also Aloha, Aloha Net. . The organ is home to symbiotic symbiotic /sym·bi·ot·ic/ (sim?bi-ot´ik) associated in symbiosis; living together. sym·bi·ot·ic adj. Of, resembling, or relating to symbiosis. (mutually beneficial) bacteria. In return for a nutrient-rich home, the bacteria glow. This light helps the squid survive the night in the dark ocean. To focus the glowing light, the squid has mirror-like tissues. Crookes discovered that the squid's reflectors are made of unique proteins (chains of amino acids) and are unlike any other known reflector reflector: see telescope. . Amazingly, the squid's flexible proteins can change shape. This helps the squid alter the brightness of its light to hide from predatory fish. When floating near the water's surface, the squid reflects the bacteria's fight onto the seafloor. Nearby fish mistake their potential snack for moonlight and the squid escapes unharmed. |
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