I got a little curious today and shined my UV flashlight at my new ecosphere just to see if anything in there would fluoresce. When I did, the shrimp (Halocaridina rubra, your standard Hawaiian red shrimp) started swimming around excitedly, and appeared to be picking at the algae and substrate, they would also occasionally twitch. Can anyone explain or even just corroborate this phenomenon?
by jkndrsn
5 Comments
Might want to check out r/opaeula they have really good advice on how to get these long lived shrimp into a proper set up.
From Google:
Some observations suggest that certain types of shrimp, particularly brine shrimp, might appear more active under a black light (UV light). While the exact reasons for this increased activity might be multifaceted and vary between species, here’s a breakdown of the key factors that could be at play:
1. UV light sensitivity and behavior
Many invertebrates, including some shrimp, possess the ability to detect UV light. This sensitivity is often linked to behaviors like foraging, navigation, and mate selection.
UV light might stimulate or trigger a response in shrimp that are sensitive to it. This could lead to increased movement and apparent activity under a black light.
Studies have shown that brine shrimp exhibit phototaxis (movement towards or away from light) in response to different colors of light, including UV. One study found that brine shrimp were most strongly attracted to blue light, which is effectively transmitted through water. As UV light is also readily transmitted through water, similar responses might occur.
2. Potential reasons for enhanced activity under UV
Locating food: In the wild, some shrimp species feed on phytoplankton or other organisms that might be more readily visible or detectable under UV light, leading to increased foraging behavior.
Communication or signaling: Certain shrimp species may use UV light to communicate or display markings that are only visible under these wavelengths, according to Spawn Fly Fish. This might trigger social interactions or other activities.
Predator or prey detection: Some shrimp may use UV vision to detect predators or prey that have specific UV markings or camouflage.
3. Biofluorescence
Some marine creatures, including certain shrimp, exhibit biofluorescence, where they absorb UV light and re-emit it as a different color (like green, red, or orange).
This glow, invisible to the human eye under normal light, can become visible under a black light, creating the illusion of increased activity or “glowing.”
While not directly related to activity levels, this fluorescence can create the appearance of a more dynamic and vibrant environment under UV light, making the shrimp appear more visually engaging.
In summary
The heightened activity observed in some shrimp under a black light is likely due to a combination of factors, including their sensitivity to UV light, which may influence their behavior for purposes like foraging, communication, or predator/prey detection. Additionally, the phenomenon of biofluorescence can contribute to the visually enhanced appearance of shrimp under UV light, even if their actual activity levels remain unchanged.
If suddenly the sun and moon disappeared from our solar system and a completely different bright light took their place, I bet you’d be a little freaked out too lol
r/Opaeula is the place you want to learn about these fascinating little creatures.
Because they think they’re in a rave
agony