photophore A gland or organ that is specialized for the production of light (see bioluminescence). Photophores are a common feature of invertebrates and fish living in the deep sea, often being arranged in lines or other patterns over the body surface to produce a characteristic display of light. They contain the light-producing chemicals or symbiotic bacteria responsible for the bioluminescence. The cells of many different tissues can be modified to form a photophore, including mucous glands in various fish and even the suckers of some deep-sea octopuses.

photophore A luminous organ, modified from a mucous gland, which is found in the skin of fish. Rows of photophores are present in many deepsea fish, which can apparently produce flashes of blue-green to orange light at will. The photophores secrete a compound which glows when activated, or they contain colonies of phosphorescent bacteria.

photophore A luminous organ, modified from a mucous gland, that is found in the skin of fish. Rows of photophores are present in many deep-sea fish, which apparently can produce flashes of blue-green to orange light at will. The photophores secrete a compound which glows when activated, or contain colonies of phosphorescent bacteria.