Jonathan Fry
Biology 1100
9/30/13
Bioluminescence In Fish
Fish and other water-borne organisms communicate in a multitude of different
ways. Many use sound as a primary method of communication, as water makes an
excellent medium for sound transmission. However, fish that make their habitats at
greater depths have a more fascinating method of communicating. This method is
bioluminescence. While this remarkable characteristic occurs in land organisms as well,
there is a far greater number and variety of sea creatures that display some sort of
bioluminescence. This is in part due to the many uses that deep-sea fish have for this
unique trait.
The research that scientists have done on this particular subject matter is largely
focused on learning more about the functionality behind bioluminescence, along with its
many purposes, which may vary depending upon the species. A great deal of information
about a species can be gathered from analyzing this trait. Studies on this trait can lead to
information revealed about behavior patterns in bioluminescent fish. The source of
bioluminescence is generally understood by the scientific world today, but continued
research is still being done on the reasons and uses for bioluminescence in certain
species. Studies on behavioral patterns have lead to information on the purpose for
bioluminescence.
To summarize the value of deep-sea bioluminescence research to the scientific
world, it can be observed that this quality in nature is highly valuable in learning about
communication and behavior between fish within bioluminescent species. This feature is
a revealing factor in learning more about otherwise-obscure species in deep-sea habitats.
Outside of the field of marine biology, bioluminescent traits and genes are now being
used in the medical field for various purposes.
(Johnsen 2005) describes how bioluminescence was proven to be highly effective
in using light to locate animals in a deep-sea environment, as opposed to using ambient
light, which was also tested. This relates to the manner in which fish use bioluminescence
both for hunting and for luring, as demonstrated by the anglerfish. Other fish can use
bioluminescence for a wider variety of reasons. (James G. Morin, Anne Harrington,
Kenneth Nealson, Neil Krieger, Thomas O. Baldwin and J. W. Hastings 1975) describe
how the flashlight fish is able to use its ability to distract or escape a predator. (Manning
1997) describes how bioluminescent genes from a jellyfish can be integrated into the
DNA of other species, including human DNA. The result is that non-bioluminescent
species can artificially receive this trait. (Manning 1997) goes on to describe how the
GFP gene for bioluminescence in jellyfish has value to the world of medicine as well,
holding potential for drug testing and for analysis of protein changes in humans.
This subject is undoubtedly one of great interest to the scientific world, for its
potential for revealing behavior patterns of deep-sea fish, as well as its ability to simply
fascinate those who have an interest in marine biology. Continuous discoveries on the use
of bioluminescent genes will undoubtedly hold benefits for the world of medicine as well.
As a whole, the field of bioluminescence research will continue to thrive, as we find new
uses for it in medicine, science, and learning about fish behavior.
References
The Zoogeography and Dietary Induction of Bioluminescence in the
Midshipman Fish, Porichthys notatus
Author(s): Jon A. Warner and
James F. Case
Source: Biological Bulletin, Vol. 159, No. 1 (Aug.,
1980), pp. 231-246
Bioluminescent Potential and Variability in Some Sargasso Sea
Planktonic Halocyprid Ostracods Author(s): Harold P. Batchelder and
Elijah Swift
Source: Journal of Crustacean Biology, Vol. 8, No. 4
(Nov., 1988), pp. 520-523
Estimated Near-Surface Mesoplanktonic Bioluminescence in the
Western North Atlantic During July 1986
Author(s): Harold P.
Batchelder and Elijah Swift
Source: Limnology and Oceanography,
Vol. 34, No. 1 (Jan., 1989), pp. 113-128
Firefleas of the Sea: Luminescent Signaling in Marine Ostracode
Crustaceans Author(s): James G. Morin
Source: The Florida
Entomologist, Vol. 69, No. 1 (Mar., 1986), pp. 105-121
Bioluminescent Organs of Two Deep-Sea Arrow Worms, Eukrohnia
fowleri and Caecosagitta macrocephala, With Further Observations on
Bioluminescence in Chaetognaths
Author(s): ERIK V. THUESEN,
FREYA E. GOETZ and STEVEN H. D. HADDOCK
Source:
Biological Bulletin, Vol. 219, No. 2 (October 2010), pp. 100-111
Long-Wave Sensitivity in Deep-Sea Stomiid Dragonfish with Far-Red
Bioluminescence: Evidence for a Dietary Origin of the ChlorophyllDerived Retinal Photosensitizer of Malacosteus niger
Author(s): R. H.
Douglas, C. W. Mullineaux and J. C. Partridge Source: Philosophical
Transactions: Biological Sciences, Vol. 355, No. 1401, Sensory
Processing of the Aquatic Environment (Sep. 29, 2000), pp. 1269-1272
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis Reveals High
Levels of Genetic Divergence among the Light Organ Symbionts of
Flashlight Fish
Author(s): Connie J. Wolfe and Margo G.
Haygood
Source: Biological Bulletin, Vol. 181, No. 1 (Aug., 1991),
pp. 135-143
Glow Fish
Author(s): Elizabeth Manning
Source: BioScience, Vol.
47, No. 3 (Mar., 1997), pp. 135-138
Light for All Reasons: Versatility in the Behavioral Repertoire of the
Flashlight Fish Author(s): James G. Morin, Anne Harrington, Kenneth
Nealson, Neil Krieger, Thomas O. Baldwin and J. W.
Hastings
Source: Science, New Series, Vol. 190, No. 4209 (Oct. 3,
1975), pp. 74-76
The Red and the Black: Bioluminescence and the Color of Animals in
the Deep Sea Author(s): Sönke Johnsen
Source: Integrative and
Comparative Biology, Vol. 45, No. 2 (Apr., 2005), pp. 234-246