 Eurhamphea vexiligera E.Widder/Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution * 1999 |
Jellyfish (Cnidaria) are probably considered the most beautiful
and spectacular of the bioluminescent marrine animals. However, they
may be the least known about. Due to their fragility, specimens are
often destroyed upon capture. (6)
It is often thought that pictures of jellyfish such as the one at left demonstrate bioluminescence, when, in fact this is iridescence. Jellies actually bioluminesce as shown at right. It can also be seen that they have the ability to vary the brightness and location of their luminescence. A jellyfish's biolumincesence is advantageous for several reasons, including defense. |
Various states of luminescence Eurhamphea vexiligera E.Widder/Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution * 1999 |
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