Symbiotic Bioluminescence

This tutorial describes the symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and bioluminescent bacteria.

The Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes) has a remarkable relationship with Aliivibrio fischeri (formerly Vibrio fischeri), a species of marine bacteria that can produce light through a controlled chemical reaction. The part of the squid that houses the bacteria, called the light organ, is similar to the eye. In this Click & Learn, students explore the light organ’s structure and function, how bacteria communicate to produce light, and general concepts related to symbiotic relationships.