Alteration of bioluminescence in Amphipholis squamata (Ophiuroidea: Echinodermata) by heavy metals contamination:: a field study

The ophiuroid Amphipholis squnmata (Echinodermata) is a bioluminescent species whose light production varies with physico-chemical parameters of the medium. Individuals collected in the bay of Portman along a gradient of heavy metal contamination show different patterns of light production: the ones from the highest contaminated area showing a bioluminescence weaker and slower than those from the lowest contaminated area. Individuals that were transferred for 3 days from the lowest to the highest contaminated area displayed a light production that became weaker and slower. It is suggested that the decrease of the bioluminescent capability due to heavy metal pollution could indirectly affect the ophiuroid ecological success (bioluminescence is associated with defense functions in ophiuroids). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.