According to a new study recently published in Scientific Reports, MBARI researchers Séverine Martini and Steve Haddock have found that three-quarters of the animals in Monterey Bay waters between the surface and 4,000 meters deep can produce their own light. This is particularly exciting because the study is the first-ever quantitative analysis of bioluminescent organisms. Very few cameras are sensitive enough to show the pale glow of many marine animals, and most don’t glow continuously because making light takes extra energy and can attract predators.

The MBARI article also notes that, “Because scientists know so little about deep-sea animals, 20 to 40 percent of the animals seen below 2,000 meters were classed as “Undefined.” There’s so much yet to discover in this world! Here’s some graphic analysis for further visual understanding: