Citation: Gotto, R.V. 1963 Luminescent ophiuroids and associated copepods. Irish Naturalists' Journal 14: 137-139
Number of Pages: 3
Volume Part: 7
Keywords: Benthos, Checklist, Copepoda, Crustacea, Echinodermata, Fauna, Marine, Marine Inlet
Abstract: Paper initially discusses bioluminescence in the ophiuroid echinoderms (the brittle stars). It reports on a trip to Strangford Lough, where by chance it was noticed that weak alcohol caused the brittle star Acrocnida brachiata, which borrows almost entirely in the sand, to display bioluminescence. The possible reasons for this are discussed. Paper then continues with a list of brittle stars which have associated copepods and points out the similarity between this list and the ones with bioluminescence. Possible implications are discussed.