Scientists document bioluminescence in giant sea spiders off Australia
Researchers from UCLouvain and other institutions formally documented blue light production by two species of giant sea spiders during a deep-sea survey off the east coast of Australia.
First formal documentation of glowing spiders
A marine survey conducted in 2017 provided the first formal documentation and photographs of bioluminescence in these creatures. Scientists observed the phenomenon in seven individuals of Colossendeis tasmanica and two individuals of Colossendeis minor. The team collected specimens from depths ranging between 1,006 meters and 4,977 meters.
Testing the source of the light
Dr Jerome Mallefet led a team that tested whether the animals produced their own light or absorbed it from surroundings. Previous observations in the Indian Ocean had raised questions about whether the glow came from the spiders themselves. The new data confirms these deep-sea giants emit blue light independently.
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