Polychaete fluorescence

[Charles Mazel]

Dear annelid researchers,

I am engaged on research in underwater optics in general, and fluorescence of 
marine organisms and substrates in particular.  On a recent trip to Bonaire 
(the focus of which was fluorescence for coral recruitment) I was struck by 
the intense fluorescence of many bristleworms, and their widespread occurrence 
on reef and rubble.  I had known that some bristleworms fluoresce, but I had 
never seen so many, both large and small, in any location. The fluorescence 
enables one to easily see specimens that would almost certainly go unnoticed 
or at least be difficult to find in white light. You can see example images at 
http://www.nightsea.com/bonaire2.htm.   

I would very much appreciate any thoughts on whether this fluorescence of 
bristleworms (and of some other polychaetes) that makes it easy to find them 
might be of interest to specialists in the field.  

Best regards,

Charles Mazel


----------------------------------------------
Charles H. Mazel, Ph. D.
Principal Research Scientist
Area Manager, Marine Optics and Imaging
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 738-8227 (direct)
(978) 689-0003 (switchboard)
(978) 689-3232 (fax)

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