Meeting Abstract

33.2  Sunday, Jan. 5 08:15  Flashing in Ctenoides ales “disco clams”: Structure and function in an ecological context DOUGHERTY, LF*; CALDWELL, RL; JOHNSEN, S; MARSHALL, J; University of California, Berkeley lindseydougherty@berkeley.edu

The disco or electric clam, Ctenoides ales, has a bright photic display that is the result of highly reflective tissue and localized mantle lip movement. It is the only known species of bivalve with a behaviorally controlled light display. The vividness of the display is noteworthy considering its habitat – deep water (10-50m) inside small crevices or caves, where there is limited ambient light available for reflection. Research utilizing spectrometry, particle modeling and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for elemental analysis produced a model of how the reflective structures optimize scattering in this low-light habitat, resulting in extremely efficient reflection. The function of the flashing was reviewed from an ecological context, including habitat characteristics, water samples, interspecific associations and in situ video, time-lapse photography, and habitat spectral analysis. Hypotheses regarding the function of the light display being explored include that it acts in phototaxic prey luring, as a deimatic anti-predator display, and/or as a signal facilitating the recruitment of conspecifics.