Bioluminescence of sharks a case study, Etmopterus spinax
(2008) 15th International Conference on Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence
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- Abstract
- Bioluminescence arose independently in a wide range of species, from bacteria to fishes, which are the only luminous vertebrates. Consequently, luminescent species demonstrate a great diversity in the structure, in the control, as well as in the function of their photogenic system. Among luminous organisms, sharks are probably the least investigated group and extremely few information is available concerning their bioluminescence, even though more than 50 shark species, i.e. about 13% of current species, are endowed with the ability to emit light. In this work, we present a synthesis on shark luminescence as well as the first results of a pluri-disciplinary approach of the velvet belly lanternshark, Etmopterus spinax. Light and epifluorescent microscopy, luminometry, as well as digital imaging analysis were used to follow the development of luminous structures during the ontogeny of this species, from embryos to old individuals. The potential functions of bioluminescence were discussed based on light production of the shark and on theoretical optical models. In addition, we provide the first pharmacological analysis of the luminescence control in this animal.
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Citations
Claes, J., & Mallefet, J. (2008). Bioluminescence of sharks a case study, Etmopterus spinax. Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence. Published. 15th International Conference on Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/231736