NOAA Teachers at Sea
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Krill is a very important food source in the food chain for a large number of marine animals, but copepods are the primary source of meat for carnivorous microorganisms such as juvenile fish and crustaceans.
Metridia pacifica is a marine copepod found in cold to arctic waters.
Studies have shown that Metridia pacifica, like many other deep-sea creatures, is capable of glowing at night; this glow is called bioluminescence.
Metridia pacifica achieves this glow through luciferin, a combination of oxygen and an enzyme called luciferase, which produces light.
This raises the question: why do deep-sea creatures glow?
The following reasons for glowing have been suggested:
- To attract prey for food
- To find a mate for reproduction
- To ward off potential predators with a sudden flash of light
Metridia pacifica is also protected by its transparency.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Metridia pacifica is a marine copepod found in cold to arctic waters.
Studies have shown that Metridia pacifica, like many other deep-sea creatures, is capable of glowing at night; this glow is called bioluminescence.
Metridia pacifica achieves this glow through luciferin, a combination of oxygen and an enzyme called luciferase, which produces light.
This raises the question: why do deep-sea creatures glow?
The following reasons for glowing have been suggested:
- To attract prey for food
- To find a mate for reproduction
- To ward off potential predators with a sudden flash of light
Metridia pacifica is also protected by its transparency.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
