Microbial Ecology & Eco Systems

Bacterial Bioluminesncence

Bioluminescent bacteria are light-producing bacteria that are predominantly present in sea water, marine sediments, and the surface of decomposing fish and in the gut of marine animals. While not as common, bacterial bioluminescence is also found in terrestrial and freshwater bacteria. These bacteria may be free living (such as Vibrio harveyi) or in symbiosis with animals such as the Hawaiian Bobtail squid (Aliivibrio fischeri) or terrestrial nematodes (Photorhabdus luminescens).