The firefly squid (Watasenia scintillans) is equipped with a complete set of hundreds of tiny photophores that cover its entire body and tentacles and emit an intense blue light. Like many bioluminescent organisms, the firefly squid is capable of controlling these photophores to emit continuously or in flashes and to light up by regions —in unison or sequentially— to create a wide variety of patterns and light signals.
Biologists believe this species uses them for different purposes, including to communicate with their fellow firefly squids. In fact, scientific studies indicate that, as with terrestrial fireflies, females choose one male or another according to their particular symphony of light. This would support the fact that this squid species is the only one capable of seeing in colour, having large eyes equipped with the three types of photoreceptor cones and a sophisticated retina.
In addition, this pattern of hundreds of flashing dots of light also serves as camouflage, hiding and distorting its silhouette. While some light signals serve to distract its predators, others are used as a lure to attract its prey. |
