Dual bioluminescent systems in the anglerfish genus Linophryne (Pisces: Ceratioidea) |
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| Authors: | Kjeld Hansen Peter J. Herring |
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| Affiliation: | *Institute of Comparative Anatomy, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark;**Institute of Oceanographic Sciences, Brook Road, Wormley, Godalming, Surrey, U.K. |
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| Abstract: | Females of the anglerfish genus Linophryne bear barbels containing luminous organs, in addition to an escal light organ. Luminescence has been observed from the barbels of four species of Linophryne , and the morphology of the luminous organs investigated. The barbel light organs do not contain bacteria but complex paracrystalline photogenic granules. The esca contains luminous bacteria. The esca is ectodermal in origin whereas the barbel organs may be derived from the mesoderm.
The possible significance of this unique dual system of luminous organs is discussed. |
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