Females of a species of marine fireworm secrete a glowing mucus coinciding with the moon's phases to attract mates, according to an April 15th article on National Geographic news online. Juveniles of the species also secrete the phosphorescent goo, but in flashes, possibly to startle predators, the article says. Check it out and view some outstanding photography of the worms by clicking on the link above.
Want to learn more about fireworms and other fascinating marine life? Stop by Husker Divers and pick up a copy of the book Reef Creature Identification - Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas by Ned DeLoach and Paul Humann. This book is a field guide of sorts to the critters that inhabit our favorite dive locations. There's species information galore, beautiful photography, and even a list in the back so you can check off the species you've personally seen. The fireworm section, by the way, begins on page 140.
There's a book on reef fish and one on reef coral, too. See them all at Husker Divers!
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