Loss of bioluminescence in Anomalops katoptron due to starvation

Abstract

After 3 weeks of starvation the bacterial light-organs of the bioluminescent shallow-water fish Anomalops katoptron cease to produce light. Because of a reduction of the number of symbionts in the cells of the light organ, it is concluded that the fish supplies its luminescent bacteria with nutrients out of its own metabolism. As a result of starving the fish, the luminescent bacteria decrease in number and finally cease to emit light. © 1976 Birkhäuser Verlag.