![]() ![]() But simultaneously, the low light levels found in the ocean might be too weak to stimulate the reaction. The fact that many species that are fluorescent also possess yellow filters in their eyes similar to what we use for diving hints at the fact that they might. ![]() Of course, all these explanations depend on whether or not fish can actually see fluorescence, which is still an important point of discussion. So these frogfish might be using fluorescence to attract prey.Ĭould this Hairy frogfish (Antennarius striatus) use its fluorescent lure to attract fishy prey? Notice how the lure resembles the worm in (c). Their orange fluo lures are the same colour as biofluorescent free-swimming worm found nearby. Recently frogfish with fluorescent lures have been documented. Predators could use biofluorescence to their benefit as well.Red light does not travel far underwater, which would allow fish of the same species that are close (such as potential mates) to see the signals, but predators that swim by at a further distance would not see the reflected light. A second suggestion is that small fish might use it as a secret way of signalling to each other.So potentially fluorescence could be a way to see potential sexual competitors. Males of the Red-eyed wrasse ( Cirrhilabrus solorensis) show stronger aggression to other males that are fluorescent than to those who are not. The beautiful fairy wrasses seem to use biofluorescence in a similar way as parrots.Now that we’ve ended up at sex, it’s time to get back in the ocean. ![]() One of the few functions that has been proven, is that it is used as a sexual signal in parrots. It has been suggested to play a role in attracting pollinators, mates, or even detecting light levels. Birds, scorpions, butterflies, flowers, etc. The question remains why? Looking at what happens on land might give a few clues, because biofluorescence is not limited to the ocean. So there we are, blue light in hand, yellow filter on, ready to marvel at all things fluo. It also has the added benefit that it doesn’t make you go blind if you stare at it for too long. Originally the blue torches used were UV-lights, but increasingly we are finding that normal, high intensity blue light actually works better. While diving, we can only observe biofluorescence using a few aids: a blue dive torch to stimulate fluorescence and a yellow filter in front of the mask to block the excess blue light and only see the reflected colours. In the latter, fish produce their own light, the former (which this blog is about) reflects colours from an external light source at a different wavelength. A curious green fluorescing Barred moray (Echidna polyzona)Īs a short recap, biofluorescence is not the same as bioluminescence. A returning theme besides how awesome it looks, is why? Why would there be an entire world of dazzling colours underwater that us puny humans can only see by using specials tools? While I don’t pretend to know the answers, I might offer a few suggestions that could make you look at it in a different light…either that or confuse you even more while showing pictures of pretty glowing fish. It isn’t the first time DSN gets it’s underwater rave on, whether we are showing you the fluorescent corals of coral reefs, Red Sea underwater disco, or fluo raving diving on the Great Barrier Reef, we’ve always been keen to show you how to have a great time underwater and look stylish (or at least bright) while doing so. You can find more of amazing work from Maarten on his social media sites, listed at the end of the article!Ī pair of West Australian seahorses (Hippocampus subelongatus) hanging onto fluorescent soft coral. This is a guest post form Maarten De Brauwer, a PhD candidate at Curtin University. ![]()
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