Glow-in-the-Dark Stars: The Magic of Swedish Fjords

Have you ever wondered how some sea creatures light up the dark ocean? Let's talk about the European brittle star, which has a unique trick up its sleeve—or rather, at the tips of its arms. These arms glow a soft blue, but how do they manage that? The answer is a chemical called coelenterazine. Here's where it gets interesting: brittle stars can't make this chemical on their own. They need to eat tiny glowing plankton that carry coelenterazine. Scientists in Sweden discovered that these glowing plankton are abundant in the fjords. So, brittle stars have a year-round supply of their glowing meal. This means the brittle stars' glow isn't just about their biology; it's also about their diet. By munching on these glowing plankton, brittle stars can always light up the deep sea. But why is this important? It's not just about the cool glow. The chemical coelenterazine helps brittle stars communicate and find mates in the dark depths of the ocean. So, the next time you think about glowing sea creatures, remember that their shine isn't just for show—it's a crucial part of their survival.