The figure on the left shows how the sea pen, Stylatula, appears under white light.The figure on the right shows the bioluminescence, which propagates up and down the stalk of the sea pen, Stylatulain in waves.

The sea pen, Stylatula, appears to grow up out of the sea floor like a plant but it is actually an animal. The figure on the left shows how it appears under white light, in this case with a brittle star hanging on to it. The figure on the right shows the bioluminescence, which propagates up and down the stalk in waves, much like the lights on a movie marquee. The purpose of these very showy displays is unknown. Image courtesy of Edith Widder/HBOI, NOAA-OE

Related Links

Deep Scope 2004

Deep Scope: Deep Light

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery