Asian Diver and Scuba Diver No. 4/2015 Volume 139 | Page 3

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Chlorin e6 (Ce6)
A natural, light-sensitive substance
derived from sea creatures that can
give humans night vision across a
distance of over 50 metres in total
darkness for several hours.

Luciferin
Researchers estimate that between
80 and 90 percent of
deep-dwelling animals are
bioluminous, creating light by mixing
the pigment luciferin with luciferase,
the enzyme that makes it glow.

Corbis

DIVING

THE STRAIGHT DOPE OF WHAT’S HOT
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN.

DUSKY DELIGHTS

BY NUMBERS

Velvet belly lantern sharks
(Etmopterus spinax)
Researchers identified melatonin,
prolactin and alpha-MSH, three
hormones known to control sharkskin
colouration, as key players in setting
sharks aglow.

Yeti Crab
Kiwa hirsuta was found on the floor of
the 2,300-metre-deep Pacific
Ocean some 1,500 kilometres
south of Easter Island. Its hairy pincer
arms host colonies of bacteria that
it may use as “sensors” that help
the blind animal find a mate, among
other things.