Throughout billions of years, our planet has undergone a process of evolution. One just has to look at the vast oceans and what lies beneath the waves to appreciate how intricately some species have evolved to make survival easier. Take, for example, the marine life in the deepest reaches of the ocean, which have managed to generate light where there is none through the bioluminescence of their own bodies. This ability to glow in the deepest, darkest places of the ocean helps these creatures communicate with each other, find prey, and hide from would-be predators. The following 10 fish are among the most spectacular species inhabiting the darkest parts of our vast ocean. They all have one common trait, key to their survival: they can glow in the dark.
Number 10: Catshark
These bottom-feeding sharks are generally fairly small and tend to feed on smaller fish and crustaceans. They are found in both tropical and temperate seas worldwide. Their bodies are adorned with patterns, patches, stripes, and spots and, of course, those elongated catlike eyes that seem to be able to peer deep into your soul, hence the name “catshark.” This species of shark is harmless to humans, however, and on a visit to the aquarium one might see many examples of this bottom-feeding species creeping along the sand. They can live anywhere from shallow intertidal waters to depths of more than 6,600 feet, or 2,000 meters. Some species of catshark can practice bioluminescence as well, hence their appearance on this list.
Number 9: Black Dragonfish
These tiny monsters of the ocean are found in the subtropical waters of the Southern Hemisphere. These strange-looking fish, almost eel-like with large, jagged teeth, can live at depths of almost 6,600 feet, or 2,000 meters. In these dark waters, dragonfish have adapted well and can produce their own light. Their bodies are covered with something called photophores, which can emanate light when threatened or disturbed. Unlike most species of glowing marine life, the black dragonfish has the uncanny ability to produce light in the red/infrared range as well as in the blue/green range. Females only grow to 16 inches, or 40 centimeters, and males are much smaller at 2 inches, or 5 centimeters. Despite their small size, their ability to glow in the dark coupled with luminous transparent teeth that are stronger than a piranha’s, make them a predator of note in the ocean’s twilight zone.
Number 8: Cookiecutter Shark
The cookiecutter shark is another deep-sea predator, also known as the cigar shark. They live in warm, oceanic waters around the world, and have been recorded at depths of 2.3 miles, or 3.7 kilometers. They migrate vertically at dusk, up to 1.9 miles, or 3 kilometers, each evening, and descend back to the depths at dawn. This shark gets its adorable name through the not-so-adorable feeding habit of biting round, cookie-shaped holes out of larger animals. Don’t let this shark’s diminutive size fool you. Although they reach only 16.5 to 22 inches, or 42 to 56 centimeters, these pint-sized predators have been known to bite chunks out of humans, although it’s extremely rare. Bite marks have even been found on submarines and undersea cables. The green luminescence of the cookiecutter shark is stronger than any other shark’s and is used mainly for hunting. Light emanating from its underbelly disrupts its silhouette, making it nearly invisible to its prey. This clever hunting strategy is called counter-illumination. And even death can’t extinguish a cookiecutter shark’s light — this shark can continue to glow for three hours after it dies.
Number 7: Lanternfish
Thousands of little lanterns light up the ocean in a majestic blue glow as large schools of these tiny, bioluminescent fish traverse the deep waters. Lanternfish grow to only between 1 and 2 inches, or 2.5 centimeters to 5 centimeters long, and live in every ocean on earth. There are over 200 species, making them one of the most common deep-sea creatures. They tend to live in deeper waters during the day and come close to the surface at night in search of food, using their glowing bodies to attract prey. Swarming masses of lanternfish are found close to the coast, as they prefer continental slopes. In some places they can become so dense that their presence can confuse sonar beams, reflecting these beams to create the impression of a false ocean bottom. Sadly, during a recent study large amounts of plastic waste were found in the stomachs of lanternfish. If we are to preserve our oceans and lanternfish, we must do better when it comes to environmental issues.
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