Vancouver Aquarium’s Luminescence Brightens Dark Days

You’ll glow in the light of the luminescent creatures on display at the Vancouver Aquarium until January 22

Just as the winter sky lights up with holiday displays in its darkest days, so, too, are the depths of the sea illuminated with their own aquatic light displays of sorts.

Many of the magnificent creatures that live in the darkest underwater depths have developed ways to illuminate their paths – and their prey.

Luminescent creatures emit light either by bioluminescence (a chemical reaction creates light) or by fluorescence (they re-appropriate light from an external source in order to glow).

The Vancouver Aquarium‘s bioluminescent jellyfish and anemones, fluorescent scorpions, electric eels, and much more, help light up the darkest of our winter days in a beautiful display of aquatic light entitled Luminescence. Click through for a glowing (literally) preview

Silvery mackerel reflect the light

Vancouver Aquarium’s Luminescence

Aequorea are bioluminescent water jellies that use protein to light up

Vancouver Aquarium’s Luminescence

Pop into an electric eel tank, if you dare!

Vancouver Aquarium’s Luminescence

Electricity created by two electric eels lights up these papier mache jellyfish

Vancouver Aquarium’s Luminescence

Tropical corals glow bright green like street lamps in the depths of the sea

Vancouver Aquarium’s Luminescence

No visit to the Vancouver Aquarium during the holiday season would be complete without a visit from Scuba Claus!

Vancouver Aquarium’s Luminescence