Aug 16, 2024, 05:00 PM IST

10 animals that glow in the dark

Shweta Singh

The anglerfish has a bioluminescent lure that dangles from its head, attracting prey in the dark ocean depths. This glow helps it survive in environments with little to no light.

Anglerfish

Fireflies use their glowing abdomens to signal potential mates in intricate flashing patterns. The light also acts as a warning to predators about their bitter taste.

Firefly

The Hawaiian bobtail squid houses bioluminescent bacteria in its body, creating light for camouflage at night. This symbiosis helps it blend in with the moonlight, hiding from predators below.

Hawaiian Bobtail Squid

Species like the Atolla jellyfish produce light when threatened, creating bioluminescent displays to confuse predators. This glowing ability is a key defense mechanism in their deep-sea habitat.

Jellyfish

Krill emit light flashes that can disorient predators, making it harder for them to be caught. They also communicate with each other using their bioluminescence.

Krill

Lanternfish have small photophores on their bodies, allowing them to glow and attract mates. Their light-producing ability also helps lure prey in the deep ocean.

Lanternfish

The cookiecutter shark glows from its underside, mimicking smaller fish to attract larger prey. Once the prey gets close enough, the shark bites off small, circular chunks of flesh.

Cookiecutter Shark

Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light due to proteins in their exoskeleton. Scientists believe this glow may act as a form of communication or provide protection from sunlight.

Scorpion

Glow worms produce a soft light that lures insects into their sticky silk traps. This bioluminescence makes them effective predators, particularly in dark caves.

Glow Worm