Aequorea showing distribution of bioluminscence around the edge of the bell

Description:

Aequorea showing distribution of bioluminscence around the edge of the bell

To 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.