"Feeeeeeed me Seymour!"
Close and numerous observations revealed that the disco clam doesn't shine its own light at all.
Rather, it reflects it via perfectly formed silica spheres that are embedded in its mantle folds.
The reflectors are only on one side of them, so as they move back and forth they appear to be flashing, making them more like a disco ball than the strobe light they were once thought to be.
Why they do this is still a mystery, but there are some strong theories.
Among them is that it's a protective measure. Brightly colored fish are often toxic, so it could be their way of pretending to be one.
Rather, it reflects it via perfectly formed silica spheres that are embedded in its mantle folds.
The reflectors are only on one side of them, so as they move back and forth they appear to be flashing, making them more like a disco ball than the strobe light they were once thought to be.
Why they do this is still a mystery, but there are some strong theories.
Among them is that it's a protective measure. Brightly colored fish are often toxic, so it could be their way of pretending to be one.
Always enjoy creepy sea creatures.....
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