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Lantern Fish compare Downwelling Light and Bioluminescence

Abstract

THE biological utility of the light organs of oceanic fishes has been the subject of much speculation1,2. According to one hypothesis the ventral photophores of some mesopelagic fishes in the upper regions of the sea may produce bioluminescence that matches the colour and intensity of environmental light passing downwards on either side of the fish. Such a system of camouflage could obscure the ventral outline of the fish when viewed from below3,4.

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LAWRY, J. Lantern Fish compare Downwelling Light and Bioluminescence. Nature 247, 155–157 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/247155a0

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