10 Animals That Can Literally Glow in the Dark

4. The Surprising Glow of the Lanternfish

Lanternfish, small deep-sea dwellers, are one of the most abundant vertebrates on the planet. Their name comes from the rows of photophores along their bodies, which emit a soft blue light. This bioluminescence serves several functions, including camouflage, communication, and predation. In the vast darkness of the ocean, lanternfish use counter-illumination to blend in with the faint light from above, making them invisible to predators lurking below. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in the deep sea, where predation pressure is high. Lanternfish also play a significant role in the marine food web, serving as prey for larger fish, birds, and mammals. This section will examine the biology of lanternfish, their ecological role, and the evolutionary advantages of their bioluminescence.