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Luminescent flashing in the midwater squids Pterygioteuthis microlampas and P. giardi

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Abstract

The luminescent flashing capabilities and swimming behavior were examined for two species of small midwater squids (Pterygioteuthis microlampas and P. giardi). Recently captured squid were placed in a small aquarium, where their movements and luminescent flashes could be recorded with an image intensifier, a photomultiplier tube and associated equipment. Flashing behavior was initiated by disturbing the squid with an eletrical shock. The following 4 behaviors were observed: (1) a short flash and a rapid departure from the electrode; (2) a short flash and a delayed, slow departure from the electrode; (3) a longer flash persisting after a rapid departure from the electrode; (4) a longer flash when departure was prevented by continuing the shock. Luminescent flashes probably have a general defensive function, discouraging or disrupting an attack by potential predators, and within this context there may exist numerous strategies involving flashes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oceanography, University of Hawaii, 2525 Correa Rd, 96822, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

    R. E. Young

  2. Department of Biology, California State University at Fullerton, 92634, Fullerton, California, USA

    R. R. Seapy

  3. Laboratorie Arago, F-66650, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France

    K. M. Mangold

  4. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta Del Sol Road, 93105, Santa Barbara, California, USA

    F. G. Hochberg Jr.

Authors
  1. R. E. Young
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  2. R. R. Seapy
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  3. K. M. Mangold
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  4. F. G. Hochberg Jr.
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Communitated by N. D. Holland, La Jolla

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Young, R.E., Seapy, R.R., Mangold, K.M. et al. Luminescent flashing in the midwater squids Pterygioteuthis microlampas and P. giardi . Mar. Biol. 69, 299–308 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397495

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397495

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