Aequorea showing distribution of bioluminscence around the edge of the bellTo obtain this photo, Dr. Ward "flash froze" the specimen on a ceramic tile that had been painted black and stored in a -80 C freezer, then took a series of photographs as it thawed (freezing and thawing stimulates bioluminescence in these animals). The image was captured with a Nikon 35 mm SLR camera mounted on a tripod. Note that Aequorea bioluminescence appears only around its perimeter; light seen elsewhere on the body in photos is generally reflection from photographic flashes or sunlight.
This species is less common around Rosario in late spring and early summer but becomes quite common by the end of summer. June 30, 2009: Many Aequorea victoria are washing up on the beach at Rosario Bay. Most of them are moribund, and have this flatworm crawling over them. The flatworm is up to 5 mm long.
This view of the underside of a swimming individual shows the many radial canals, the many tentacles along the margin of the bell, and the small manubrium in the middle.
Aequorea victoria, 4 cm diameter, captured in central Rosario Strait July 12, 2007. The broad, open manubrium with frilly lips can be seen through the bell. The tentacles are retracted. (Photo by: Dave Cowles, July 2007)
