BETA
Chapter 1
The chemistry of living light
Chapter 2
Deep-sea hunting and survival strategies
Chapter 3
Defense mechanisms in the dark
Chapter 4
Communication and community in the abyss
YOUR GOAL
Master of Bioluminescence in the deep ocean
Ch 2 · Deep-sea hunting and survival strategies
artiteacher Lure deep-sea creatures with glowing patterns to discover how they make their own light.
artiteacher Deep-sea hunting and survival strategies
Ocean's darkest deep? (It's true!) / Secret lights they keep! (A spark!) / Luring meals so near, (Oh-oh!) / Banishing all fear! (They glow!)
artiteacher Flashlight fish use glowing pouches beneath their eyes to search for food and communicate in the dark.
artiteacher The stoplight loosejaw fish uses a rare red light to illuminate prey without alerting them or other predators.
Fun Fact
Invisible hunting light: The stoplight loosejaw fish uses a red spotlight to hunt, completely invisible to almost all other deep-sea creatures.
Glossary
counterillumination (noun)
A method of camouflage in which an animal emits light to match the background's intensity. The marine hatchetfish employs this strategy to hide its silhouette from hungry predators swimming beneath it.
A method of camouflage in which an animal emits light to match the background's intensity. The marine hatchetfish employs this strategy to hide its silhouette from hungry predators swimming beneath it.
Quiz
Why is the red light of the stoplight loosejaw fish considered an invisible spotlight?
Quiz
What unusual feature does the viperfish use to lure prey directly into its mouth?
Quiz
Which ocean zone, starting at 1,000 meters deep, is pitch black and heavily relies on bioluminescence?
Quiz
What is the main ecological benefit for a deep-sea predator using a bioluminescent lure?