Barnes, A.T. & J.F. Case. (1972). Bioluminescence in the mesopelagic copepod, Gaussia princeps (T. Scott). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 8(1):53-72, figs. 1-8. (i-1972).

76188

10.1016/0022-0981(72)90056-1 [view]

Barnes, A.T. & J.F. Case

1972

8(1):53-72, figs. 1-8. (i-1972)

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Adult male and female Gaussia princeps (T. Scott) produce bright, extracellular luminescent displays usually coupled with the initiation of rapid swimming. Glands of the head, mandibular palps, urosome, furca, and underlying at least 14 body pores contribute to the luminous response which, in free swimming copepods, is characterized by a sudden discharge to the exterior of luminous blue material that remains at peak intensity for 1–3 sec before undergoing an 80 sec decay as 8 or less discrete, low intensity points of light. Photomultiplier and T.V.-image intensifier records of luminescence resulting from electrical and mechanical stimuli showed facilitated responses, variation in emission duration (flash vs broad peak light output), and repetitive photogeny by individual copepods. The glands need not operate in concert nor do all necessarily participate in a given response minimal response latencies to electrical and mechanical stimuli were 15 and 37 msec, respectively. Failure of the luminous response did not entail depletion of all potentially photogenic material. The results are discussed in terms of luminescent control and potential escape mechanism.

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