Top 10 Weirdest Glow In The Dark Creatures
Top 10 Animals That Glow in the Dark
Well, these shouldn’t be hard to spot at night! Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Animals That Glow in the Dark.
For this list, we’ll be taking a look at animals from the ground, sea and air that have the ability to glow in the dark!
#10: Cookiecutter Shark
Don’t be fooled by this deep-sea dweller’s funny name, it’ll take a chunk out of you the size of a cookie if you’re not careful! The cookiecutter shark feeds by taking large bites out of its prey and then disappearing into the abyss. However, that’s not the only strange thing about it. The underside of the cookiecutter shark produces a bright green glow that functions as a defense mechanism called counter-illumination. The glow blends in with the light from the surface obscuring the shark’s body from underneath and hiding it from predators. Also called the Cigar shark, its bioluminescence is so strong that it will continue to glow green hours after being taken out of the water!
#9: Crystal Jelly
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Crystal jelly, or aequorea victoria if you’re into the whole “formality thing”, are some of the most unique creatures known to man. These jellyfish produce aequorin and green fluorescent protein; aka the two proteins that help create bioluminescence. So it pretty much goes without saying that glowing is… kind of their thing. These proteins are actually a pretty big deal, so much so that the team that discovered them was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Green fluorescent protein has proven particularly helpful to the field of biology. It would appear humanity owes the crystal jellyfish a big thank you!
#8: Sea Sapphire
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These tiny copepods shine with the help of microscopic crystal plates that reside beneath their skin. These crystals catch and reflect light and can produce a multitude of different colors. Unfortunately, this skill only exists in male sea sapphires, as the females are completely translucent. However, when the males aren’t showing off their crystals, they’re translucent as well. Due to their size – they don’t grow more than a few millimeters – the sapphirina, as they’re also called - can be hard to spot. Unless of course they congregate en-masse close to shore, in which case you’re in for a truly spectacular light show!
#7: Atolla Jellyfish
Arguably one of the coolest jellyfish in the ocean, the Atolla comes equipped with a unique security feature. When attacked, it sets off its bioluminescent burglar alarm - no wonder its nickname is the alarm jelly! This underwater light show isn’t meant to dazzle predators into submission, but instead works to attract bigger fish, ones that will hopefully scare off the one currently attacking it. With its deep red body, long, menacing tentacles and bright blue burglar alarm, the Atolla wyvillei is one creature you shouldn’t pick a fight with - unless of course you want to get eaten by a great white shark.
#6: Yellow-Coated Clusterwink
These sea snails may be small, but what they lack in size the more than make up for in bioluminescence. The clusterwink, more formally known as Hinea brasiliana, differs from other flashing snails in that its entire shell lights up, whereas others will only emit short, dim flashes from part of the shell. The result is a beautiful bluish-green light that serves a defense mechanism. Similar to our previous entry, the flashing is meant to attract bigger predators to scare off the smaller ones. Whatever the purpose, these tiny mollusks are super cool to look at!
#5: Firefly Squid
The color that these sea creatures emit is truly a sight to behold. The body of a firefly squid is coated with tiny photophores. These light-producing organs are responsible for the firefly squid’s bioluminescence. Found in the Western Pacific Ocean, firefly squids or Watasenia scintillans, can use the photophores to create dazzling light shows and can even coordinate the flashes to go off in unison or in random patterns. Similar to the cookiecutter shark, the firefly squid uses its glowing skills for self defense; employing counter-illumination from above as a form of camouflage against lower predators.
#4: Glowworm
Glowworm is actually an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of different insect larvae. However, the one thing they all have in common is their bioluminescence. These little creatures are often found in wet and humid areas of caves and forests and can sometimes populate an area to such a degree that they blanket the walls. The result is a fantastic light display unlike anything in your wildest dreams. The fungus gnat variety, well-known in New Zealand and Australia, are the architects of stunning natural chandeliers, made up of silk and mucus . It might sound a little gross, but the effect is incredible.
#3: Anglerfish
If you thought worms were bad, wait until you get a glimpse of these guys! Anglerfish are often considered to be one of the ugliest fish in the ocean. The reason for all the hate stems from their oversized, toothy jaws and the long growth that protrudes from their heads. However, the latter is more than just an anatomical oddity, it’s also a lure - one that works in tandem with the esca, a luminescent organ that shares a relationship with bacteria at its tip to help attract prey. So not only are they terrifying, but they glow in the dark! Thankfully you’ll never encounter one when out for a swim, as they reside thousands of feet beneath the surface.
#2: Dinoflagellate
These minute creatures combine many of the characteristics we’ve already touched upon. They’re known for emitting a bluish-green light (although sometimes it can be red) that is used to ward off predators. When they group together, these plankton can create incredible light shows. The best place to see them up close and personal is at a bioluminescent bay or lagoon. There you can witness the true beauty of the dinoflagellates and marvel at their colors. It’s a night time activity, but one that’s well worth getting out of bed for.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions:
Abraliopsis Squid
Stoplight Loosejaw Dragonfish
Comb Jelly [aka Ctenophora]
#1: Firefly
If there’s one glow in the dark animal that everyone’s heard of, it’s the firefly. These tiny winged beetles have been filling mason jars and dazzling eyes for years, particularly during the twilight hours. The light is actually a chemical reaction that occurs in their abdomen. The results vary depending on what type of firefly you’re looking at, but the colors they are best known for are green, yellow and sometimes even pale red. Also referred to as lightning bugs, fireflies use their blinking lights to attract mating partners; and seeing as how there are so many of them... it appears to be working!
