Friday, September 9, 2011

Pic of the Day

     Warty Comb Jelly – Tennessee Aquarium; Chattanooga, TN:  This was the most interesting jelly I saw at the aquarium.  As the jellies floated around the tank the jelly flashed colors of blues, yellows, greens and reds.   The colors appeared to move up and down the sides of the jellies like the flashing lights of Las Vegas neon sign.
     After being completely hypnotized by the movements and flashing lights, I read the accompanying fact sheet. What I thought was bioluminescence was actually light refraction.  As the jellies swam through the tank its lobed sides rippled back and forth.  Lights illuminating the tank refracted through combs that lined the edge of the lobes giving the appearance of flashing lights.  The flashing lights appeared to move up and down the side of the Sea Walnut’s side.  It was amazing to watch!

Nikon D7000, Nikkor 24-85mm zoom set to 85mm, Hand held, 1/30 sec. @ f5.6

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