Synchronous and asynchronous counterillumination by three types of photophores in the firefly squid, Watasenia scintillans
Satoshi Kusama, Eiji Fujiwara, Osamu Inamura, Kenji Ishii, Miwa Tamura-Nakano, Noritaka Hirohashi
This study reveals that three photophore types in Watasenia scintillans synchronously and asynchronously produce counterillumination, with green photophores also functioning in darkness, suggesting roles in crypsis and conspecific signaling.
bioRxiv · Oct 29, 2025 · PreprintAnimal Behavior & Cognition