Some of the exquisite workings of nature are here for us to see in this breathtaking image snapped by photographer Scott Gutsy Tuason in the Philippines.
This comb jelly’s iridescent comb rows are dazzling. Here at Oceanwire we’re fascinated by the ocean’s natural light! We’ve written about the various forms of oceanic light — about bioluminescent corals and bioluminescent ocean waves and a bioluminescent planktonic jellyfish and a bioluminescent anemone and a bioluminescent beach in the Maldives.
But comb jellies, also known as ctenophores, exhibit a different kind of light: iridescence — a phemonenon that occurs when light is scattered in different directions by the moving cilia. Read more about comb jellies here.
And what about that burst of orange dots in this jellyfish? Scientist George Matsumoto observed “They look like pigmentation to me. or perhaps the stomodaeum is filled up with some type of particles?” Scientist Steven Haddock noted “We see those in lobates collected in the South Pacific … I believe they are pigmented oil droplets, but not sure if they are derived from prey.”
Our ocean and the lifeforms it harbors are remarkable and really, let’s be honest — miraculous. Protect them in your everyday lives – cut down on plastic use, consume less overall, support ocean science and conservation. Add your suggestions in comments below!
Tuason is also the owner of Squires Bingham Sports in Costa Rica — if you’re in the area patronize his business — you can also shop online from anywhere!
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