1. How do fish adapt to life in the deep sea?
Creatures of the Deep!
How do fish adapt to life in the deep sea?

2. Bioluminescence

3. What is Bioluminescence?
“Bio” = Life “Lum” = Light
The production and emission of light by a living organism

4. Types Bacterial (less common) Photophores (majority)
Luminous bacteria are organisms that can live freely, but are often symbiotic with a host organism
Ex. found in the lure of an anglerfish
Photophores (majority)
Light producing organs
Ex. cookie cutter shark

5. How Does it Work? Chemical reactions!
Luciferin: a compound in the body that possesses light capabilities

6. Why Use It? Attract prey Escape predators Find a mate
Species recognition

7. Other Deep Sea Adaptations
Expandable mouths and bodies to accommodate large but infrequent meals
Special respiratory and feeding appendages
Air bladders are small or missing since buoyancy is not needed

8. Continued…
Evisceration (expelling) internal organs to provide predator with a meal so they can escape and regenerate later
Lights and lures to attract prey
Reproductive strategies
Example: Male anglerfish will attach itself to a larger female, merge with her tissues until all that’s left is his testes