Repeated and widespread evolution of biofluorescence in marine fishes
Carr et al. 2025 Nature Comm.
459 known biofluorescent teleosts (the majority are associated with coral reefs); estimate biofluorescence evolved multiple times but first ~112 mya
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Carr et al. 2025 Nature Comm.
459 known biofluorescent teleosts (the majority are associated with coral reefs); estimate biofluorescence evolved multiple times but first ~112 mya
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Repeated and widespread evolution of biofluorescence in marine fishes - Nature Communications
Biofluorescence is widespread in fishes. Here, the authors compile data on biofluorescence presence across teleost fishes and demonstrate that it may have originally evolved in eels 112 million years ...
www.nature.com
May 26, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Repeated and widespread evolution of biofluorescence in marine fishes
Carr et al. 2025 Nature Comm.
459 known biofluorescent teleosts (the majority are associated with coral reefs); estimate biofluorescence evolved multiple times but first ~112 mya
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Carr et al. 2025 Nature Comm.
459 known biofluorescent teleosts (the majority are associated with coral reefs); estimate biofluorescence evolved multiple times but first ~112 mya
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
🚨NEW SCIENCE ALERT!🚨Read our new, open-access publication in Scientific Reports (@nature.com) describing #biofluorescence in #cassowary casques! Very excited to unveil this after keeping it secret for 5 years⬇️
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
NYITCOM @akiopteryx.bsky.social @jonathanberman.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
NYITCOM @akiopteryx.bsky.social @jonathanberman.bsky.social
March 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM
🚨NEW SCIENCE ALERT!🚨Read our new, open-access publication in Scientific Reports (@nature.com) describing #biofluorescence in #cassowary casques! Very excited to unveil this after keeping it secret for 5 years⬇️
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
NYITCOM @akiopteryx.bsky.social @jonathanberman.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
NYITCOM @akiopteryx.bsky.social @jonathanberman.bsky.social
🚨Research alert! Two new studies, led by Museum scientists, suggest that biofluorescence in fish dates back ~112 million years & has evolved independently 100+ times, with the majority of that activity happening among species that live on coral reefs. Learn more ⬇️ amnh.link/4nlyBrk
Studies Reveal Fish Biofluorescence Dates Back 112 Million Years | AMNH
Fish biofluorescence evolved more than 100 times, has ties to coral reefs, and involves more colors than previously thought.
amnh.link
June 17, 2025 at 7:58 PM
🚨Research alert! Two new studies, led by Museum scientists, suggest that biofluorescence in fish dates back ~112 million years & has evolved independently 100+ times, with the majority of that activity happening among species that live on coral reefs. Learn more ⬇️ amnh.link/4nlyBrk
Biofluorescence reveals nature in a new light. 🧪 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Biofluorescence shows Cumbrian nature in a new light
The phenomenon has been observed in plants, animals and insects which reflect vibrant colours.
www.bbc.co.uk
March 1, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Biofluorescence reveals nature in a new light. 🧪 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Apologies for missing the last few weeks for themes! In light of our new article www.nature.com/articles/s41..., the #Sundayfishsketch #Fishytheme is biofluorescent fishes! #sciart 🦑
Repeated and widespread evolution of biofluorescence in marine fishes - Nature Communications
Biofluorescence is widespread in fishes. Here, the authors compile data on biofluorescence presence across teleost fishes and demonstrate that it may have originally evolved in eels 112 million years ...
www.nature.com
May 30, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Apologies for missing the last few weeks for themes! In light of our new article www.nature.com/articles/s41..., the #Sundayfishsketch #Fishytheme is biofluorescent fishes! #sciart 🦑
Yeah, living in Michigan is great, I just wish we had a biofluorescent mammal of some kind...
The noble Southern Flying Squirrel:
The noble Southern Flying Squirrel:
July 6, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Yeah, living in Michigan is great, I just wish we had a biofluorescent mammal of some kind...
The noble Southern Flying Squirrel:
The noble Southern Flying Squirrel:
Turning the lights out on a harvester - this gif transitions from normal light to UV light. Compounds in the exoskeleton absorb and re-emit ultraviolet light as visible light. This phenomenon is called biofluorescence. #invertefest
(Phareicranaus sp.) Refugio del Intag, Ecuador
(Phareicranaus sp.) Refugio del Intag, Ecuador
May 1, 2026 at 2:09 AM
Turning the lights out on a harvester - this gif transitions from normal light to UV light. Compounds in the exoskeleton absorb and re-emit ultraviolet light as visible light. This phenomenon is called biofluorescence. #invertefest
(Phareicranaus sp.) Refugio del Intag, Ecuador
(Phareicranaus sp.) Refugio del Intag, Ecuador
true story: the Southern Flying Squirrel shows biofluorescence colors under UV light 👀
December 9, 2024 at 7:30 AM
true story: the Southern Flying Squirrel shows biofluorescence colors under UV light 👀
Hey look! Glowing fishes evolved over and over again. Lots of color of glow. @emilycarr.bsky.social led a team that included 5 FHL folks @jmhuie.bsky.social @lampichthys.bsky.social and @karlycohen.bsky.social.
The oldest glowy fish is an eel at 100MYA.
🧪
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
The oldest glowy fish is an eel at 100MYA.
🧪
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Repeated and widespread evolution of biofluorescence in marine fishes - Nature Communications
Biofluorescence is widespread in fishes. Here, the authors compile data on biofluorescence presence across teleost fishes and demonstrate that it may have originally evolved in eels 112 million years ...
www.nature.com
May 27, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Hey look! Glowing fishes evolved over and over again. Lots of color of glow. @emilycarr.bsky.social led a team that included 5 FHL folks @jmhuie.bsky.social @lampichthys.bsky.social and @karlycohen.bsky.social.
The oldest glowy fish is an eel at 100MYA.
🧪
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
The oldest glowy fish is an eel at 100MYA.
🧪
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Stunning! An Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) glowing under UV light — a natural phenomenon known as biofluorescence.
-Credits: Ben Alldridge
-Credits: Ben Alldridge
June 17, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Stunning! An Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) glowing under UV light — a natural phenomenon known as biofluorescence.
-Credits: Ben Alldridge
-Credits: Ben Alldridge
The springhare is the only known Old World placental mammal that exhibits biofluorescence. Their shaggy coats shift UV light into visible colors with dramatic effects visible to eyes tuned to these wavelengths.
Paper on the phenomenon is here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Paper on the phenomenon is here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
July 16, 2024 at 11:54 AM
The springhare is the only known Old World placental mammal that exhibits biofluorescence. Their shaggy coats shift UV light into visible colors with dramatic effects visible to eyes tuned to these wavelengths.
Paper on the phenomenon is here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Paper on the phenomenon is here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Birds-of-Paradise are nuts. We know this.
They dance. They build stages. They have bonkers plumage, some of which is "ultra-black". And now, scientists have just shown that they also GLOW, via biofluorescence.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!
Gift link 🧪 #birds
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/11/s...
They dance. They build stages. They have bonkers plumage, some of which is "ultra-black". And now, scientists have just shown that they also GLOW, via biofluorescence.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!
Gift link 🧪 #birds
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/11/s...
Birds of Paradise Glow on Their Mating Parade (Gift Article)
The always colorful males light up with biofluorescence, sending off signals.
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Birds-of-Paradise are nuts. We know this.
They dance. They build stages. They have bonkers plumage, some of which is "ultra-black". And now, scientists have just shown that they also GLOW, via biofluorescence.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!
Gift link 🧪 #birds
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/11/s...
They dance. They build stages. They have bonkers plumage, some of which is "ultra-black". And now, scientists have just shown that they also GLOW, via biofluorescence.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!
Gift link 🧪 #birds
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/11/s...
Welcome to the Neon Womb!
Something glowy for #fungifriday - biofluorescence.
Here, wavelengths of UV light from my torch are absorbed by the #fungi and re-emitted at a lower visible wavelength, creating this fascinating, otherworldly beauty.
Something glowy for #fungifriday - biofluorescence.
Here, wavelengths of UV light from my torch are absorbed by the #fungi and re-emitted at a lower visible wavelength, creating this fascinating, otherworldly beauty.
October 24, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Welcome to the Neon Womb!
Something glowy for #fungifriday - biofluorescence.
Here, wavelengths of UV light from my torch are absorbed by the #fungi and re-emitted at a lower visible wavelength, creating this fascinating, otherworldly beauty.
Something glowy for #fungifriday - biofluorescence.
Here, wavelengths of UV light from my torch are absorbed by the #fungi and re-emitted at a lower visible wavelength, creating this fascinating, otherworldly beauty.
Biofluorescence: Unseen world of the Celtic rainforest revealed by UV. 🧪 www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wale...
Biofluorescence: Unseen world of the Celtic rainforest revealed by UV
Plants and animals use colours to communicate a message we humans cannot see.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 17, 2024 at 7:50 AM
Biofluorescence: Unseen world of the Celtic rainforest revealed by UV. 🧪 www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wale...
I want to start by sharing this delightful video of a bird of paradise doing his best to outshine Sir David Attenborough on BBC's "Attenborough's Paradise Birds".
Then let's talk about biofluorescence in birds.
But first, let's talk about why naturalists thought these birds had no feet or wings.
Then let's talk about biofluorescence in birds.
But first, let's talk about why naturalists thought these birds had no feet or wings.
January 14, 2026 at 1:51 PM
I want to start by sharing this delightful video of a bird of paradise doing his best to outshine Sir David Attenborough on BBC's "Attenborough's Paradise Birds".
Then let's talk about biofluorescence in birds.
But first, let's talk about why naturalists thought these birds had no feet or wings.
Then let's talk about biofluorescence in birds.
But first, let's talk about why naturalists thought these birds had no feet or wings.
'Males showed biofluorescence on parts of their plumage... plus an additional 16 species showed – or were deemed likely to show – biofluorescence in their inner mouth and throat.'
SOME BIRDS-OF-PARADISE FLUORESCE FROM THEIR MOUTHS 🤯🧪🦉
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
SOME BIRDS-OF-PARADISE FLUORESCE FROM THEIR MOUTHS 🤯🧪🦉
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Many birds-of-paradise species emit light through their plumage, study finds
Researchers found that most birds-of-paradise are biofluorescent – meaning they absorb light through their bodies
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2025 at 7:51 AM
'Males showed biofluorescence on parts of their plumage... plus an additional 16 species showed – or were deemed likely to show – biofluorescence in their inner mouth and throat.'
SOME BIRDS-OF-PARADISE FLUORESCE FROM THEIR MOUTHS 🤯🧪🦉
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
SOME BIRDS-OF-PARADISE FLUORESCE FROM THEIR MOUTHS 🤯🧪🦉
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"The birds-of-paradise evolved optimal brilliance to communicate something, and that something is their own attractiveness: Like so many of their striking features, biofluorescence seems to help them entice mates."
Birds-of-Paradise Use Biofluorescence to Attract Mates
Learn why scientists say it’s a rare case of animals exploiting their glow for visual signaling.
www.discovermagazine.com
March 26, 2025 at 1:15 PM
"The birds-of-paradise evolved optimal brilliance to communicate something, and that something is their own attractiveness: Like so many of their striking features, biofluorescence seems to help them entice mates."
UV casque biofluorescence occurs in living #birds and even 100-year-old #museum specimens (big thanks to @nhm.org & @amnh.org for samples). This may be useful for censusing wild individuals 🇵🇬 🇦🇺 (similar to whale fluke “fingerprinting”) and identifying incomplete #cassowary specimens in collections.
March 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM
UV casque biofluorescence occurs in living #birds and even 100-year-old #museum specimens (big thanks to @nhm.org & @amnh.org for samples). This may be useful for censusing wild individuals 🇵🇬 🇦🇺 (similar to whale fluke “fingerprinting”) and identifying incomplete #cassowary specimens in collections.
I love this. We all off to buy UV torches now?.🍄📷
BBC News - Biofluorescence: Unseen world of the Celtic rainforest revealed by UV
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wale...
BBC News - Biofluorescence: Unseen world of the Celtic rainforest revealed by UV
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wale...
Biofluorescence: Unseen world of the Celtic rainforest revealed by UV
Plants and animals use colours to communicate a message we humans cannot see.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 17, 2024 at 9:51 AM
I love this. We all off to buy UV torches now?.🍄📷
BBC News - Biofluorescence: Unseen world of the Celtic rainforest revealed by UV
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wale...
BBC News - Biofluorescence: Unseen world of the Celtic rainforest revealed by UV
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wale...
Well, that was fun! I joined a #biofluorescence walk last night at Golitha Falls, in #Cornwall... and though we didn't find any fluorescing caterpillars, our special UV torches showed up some amazing fluorescing fungi, mosses, lichens, and rocks.
Thank you @chrisull.bsky.social !
Thank you @chrisull.bsky.social !
March 21, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Well, that was fun! I joined a #biofluorescence walk last night at Golitha Falls, in #Cornwall... and though we didn't find any fluorescing caterpillars, our special UV torches showed up some amazing fluorescing fungi, mosses, lichens, and rocks.
Thank you @chrisull.bsky.social !
Thank you @chrisull.bsky.social !
We recently got ourselves a UV torch and went out exploring last night.
Check out the biofluorescence on this plum blossom; we assume to attract pollinating insects to its nectaries.
Another highlight was the fallen petals of the white deadnettle, which glowed bright yellow.
Check out the biofluorescence on this plum blossom; we assume to attract pollinating insects to its nectaries.
Another highlight was the fallen petals of the white deadnettle, which glowed bright yellow.
April 11, 2025 at 5:49 AM
We recently got ourselves a UV torch and went out exploring last night.
Check out the biofluorescence on this plum blossom; we assume to attract pollinating insects to its nectaries.
Another highlight was the fallen petals of the white deadnettle, which glowed bright yellow.
Check out the biofluorescence on this plum blossom; we assume to attract pollinating insects to its nectaries.
Another highlight was the fallen petals of the white deadnettle, which glowed bright yellow.
Liberace was at least 36 years old, and the first living northern cassowary I ever saw in person. He is included in numerous scientific publications, including our recent 2026 biofluorescence study. Liberace will live on as an educational & scientific ambassador for cassowaries.
May 4, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Liberace was at least 36 years old, and the first living northern cassowary I ever saw in person. He is included in numerous scientific publications, including our recent 2026 biofluorescence study. Liberace will live on as an educational & scientific ambassador for cassowaries.
The fire #salamander is biofluorescent. The amphibian emits turquoise light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This phenomenon had gone unnoticed despite decades of study. 😱 What is the purpose of #biofluorescence, and what substance causes it? www.mpg.de/26539418/bio... @mpi-ce.bsky.social
Biofluorescence discovered in the fire salamander
Researchers have discovered that the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is biofluorescent. A new study reveals that this iconic species emits turquoise light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation...
www.mpg.de
May 28, 2026 at 9:45 AM
The fire #salamander is biofluorescent. The amphibian emits turquoise light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This phenomenon had gone unnoticed despite decades of study. 😱 What is the purpose of #biofluorescence, and what substance causes it? www.mpg.de/26539418/bio... @mpi-ce.bsky.social
www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2...
www.nwnewsnetwork.org/science-and-...
www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?ad...
conferencia.ufla.br/ciuflasig/ge...
www.wwf.org.br/natureza_bra...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nwnewsnetwork.org/science-and-...
www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?ad...
conferencia.ufla.br/ciuflasig/ge...
www.wwf.org.br/natureza_bra...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Salamanders and other amphibians are aglow with biofluorescence - Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports - Salamanders and other amphibians are aglow with biofluorescence
www.nature.com
October 18, 2024 at 9:01 PM