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Living Light

Bioluminescence in Squid

Ventral Photophores and Counterillumination

Euprymna scolopes

Abralia sp. and Abraliopsis

Clouds and Arms

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Contact the author	This website was created as a project for and undergraduate Biology Program at Davidson College.	Other HOT TOPICS	Last Updated 10.25.2005

Taningia danae grows to a maximum of about 170 cm ML and is easily identified by two predominant lidded photophores at the tips of two specialized arms. These are the largest photophores in the animal kindgom, up to 5 cm long and approximately the size of a lemon (Bolstad 2003). These pronounced organs are darker in color than the rest of the squid and will actually open and close to reveal the bioluminescent surface. T. danae flashes these tips repeatedly in a manner that startles a predatory by mounting a fake attack..

Within the mantle is another singular large photophore. This structure will glow for extended period of time (up to 15 minutes), suggesting counterillumination strategies. Interestingly, chromatophores (pigmented cells) that cover the skin surface will actually contract to produce a transparent window in the skin through which the light can glow (Young 1999).

Figure (above): arm tip of T. danae with closed and open eyelid.

Figure (left): T. danae showing the 'window' in skin surface.

Figure (below): T. danae. All photographs this page by Richard Young.