Bioluminescence
The biochemical emission of light by living organisms such as fireflies and deep-sea fishes.
Produce bright flashes or mimics thousands of glowing particles to confuse or startle predators.
Jellyfish

Lantern-fish

Attract small fish to feed on.
Glow to mate.
Fireflies

Phytoplankton
Plankton consisting of microscopic plants.
Uses photo-bacterium as a lure.
Angler-fish

Jellyfish

Confuse and startle predators.
Found exclusively in the mountainous regions of California. Releases toxic cyanide from tiny pores.
Glowing Millipedes

Luciferins
Any of various organic substances in luminescent organisms (such as fireflies) that upon oxidation produce a virtually heat less light.
Photophore produce light to attract smaller fish to feed on.
Lantern-Fish

Caridean Shrimp

Vomits glowing goo to distract predators.
Mimics the coloring of a Toxic Beetle.
Glowing Cockroach

Luciferase
An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin
Uses bioluminescent rings to attract mates.
Blue Ringed Octopus
Blue Ringed Octopus

Attracts mates with glowing rings.
Bioluminescent larva that look like a caterpillar.
Railroad Worms

Chemiluminescence
The emission of light during a chemical reaction that does not produce significant quantities of heat.
Spews light as a defense mechanism.
Caridean Shrimp

Hatchetfishes
Use photophores to camouflage themselves from below.
Bioluminesent Algae that glows a bright blue when stimulated.
Phytoplankton
