Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction that is created by some land species, but mostly by deep ocean fish. In the ocean, the average depth that bioluminescence occurs is about 1-8 thousand feet. Organisms that are able to emit bioluminescence range from bacteria and dinoflagellates to fish and squid. There are two types of bioluminescence that exist. The first type occurs mostly to fish and squid and is when the light is produced by photophores. The second type is when the organism internally produces the chemicals that are needed to create the bioluminescent light. Bioluminescence can be used for four natural processes. They are escaping predators, courtship, communication and attracting prey. About 75 percent or more of the fish that live deep down in the gloomy waters pocess bioluminescence in one way or another.

The first thing needed for bioluminescence to occur is luciferin, a light emitter. This is aquired through the food chain or is within the animal itself. Different animals use different types of luciferin. There are about six different types of luciferin that exist. The luciferin reacts with another molecule called luciferase, salt and oxygen and in turn produces a burst of light and water. Luciferin + Luciferase + Salt + Oxygen --> Light + Water

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~http://www.milton.edu/academics/pages/marinebio/biolum.html