This activity explores images of the bobtail squid, which serve as phenomena for learning about symbiosis and interspecies interactions.

The Hawaiian bobtail squid has a pouch inside its body called the light organ, which hosts bioluminescent bacteria such as Aliivibrio fischeri (formerly Vibrio fischeri). The relationship between squid and bacteria is a classic example of symbiosis. The squid provides the bacteria with food and shelter, and the bacteria emit a blue light that hides the squid from predators and prey. These images include a photograph of a bobtail squid and a picture of a squid’s light organ created from a video-microscopy recording.

The “Educator Materials” document includes background information and implementation suggestions for using the images as phenomena. The “Student Handout” includes the images and background information.

“Light Organ” image by Janna Nawroth, Research & Development, Emulate, Inc.