Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. This light is produced by energy released from chemical reactions occurring within (or by) the organism. Bioluminescent organisms are found everywhere, on land to the depths of the sea. Check out these 10 gorgeous bioluminescent creatures below.

1. Bioluminescent fungi. It is estimated that there are more than 70 species of fungi capable of bioluminescence, belonging to the groups Omphalotus, Armillaria and Mycenoid. The green light they emit is a result of the luciferin-luciferase interaction. Mushroom bioluminescence is associated with a circadian rhythm. When the sun goes down, the temperature drops, the mushrooms start to glow, making it easier for insects to see in the dark. Scientists believe that this is one of the conditions for spreading spores.

2. Dinoflagellates. This is a single-celled algae, found in both marine and freshwater environments. Some diatoms are bioluminescent due to chemical compounds that produce light when they come into contact with other organisms or objects, or by the motion of a wave surface. A drop in temperature can also cause some diatoms to glow. When these algae light up, they give the water a beautiful, vibrant blue color.

3. Phytoplankton (Tomopteris nisseni). If disturbed, Tomopteris are capable of releasing bioluminescent particles on their bodies, known as parapodia. It is believed that Tomopteris uses this to distract predators. The length of Tomopteris nisseni can be several centimeters.

4. Jellyfish (Jellyfish). Jellyfish live in the sea, capable of emitting blue or green light, usually activated by touch. Some jellyfish such as Crystal Jelly, Moon Jelly, Atolla Jelly, etc. are very bioluminescent. Jellyfish use bioluminescence mainly for defensive purposes, startling predators. Conversely, light also makes predators more visible than jellyfish.

5. Squid (Squid). Some species of squid contain photoreceptors throughout most of their body. This allows the squid to emit a blue or green light along its body. Some other species use symbiotic bacteria to produce light. Squids use bioluminescence during the night to attract prey as they move to the surface of the water.

6. Octopus (Octopus). Some octopuses are bioluminescent with photoreceptors that produce light located on their tentacles. Blue light is responsible for attracting prey and potential mates. Light is also a defensive way to startle predators, giving the octopus time to escape. Coconut octopus (Coconut Octopus) is one of the most beautiful species of octopus in the world.

7. Black Dragonfish. This is a very monstrous looking fish with sharp fangs. They are commonly found in the deep sea in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. These fish have specialized photophore cells that produce light. Extremely small photophores are located along the body, larger photophores are located below the eyes. Arowanas use bioluminescence to hunt.

8. Anglerfish. Anglerfish are fearsome deep-sea creatures that can be found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Near the top of the female’s head is a protruding tumor containing photoreceptors that produce light. This appendage resembles a fishing rod, the lure hanging above the fish’s mouth. Prey in the dark environment swims to the bait, right into the large open mouth of the fish. This is also a means of attracting male fish. The mechanism of light in Anglerfish is due to the presence of bioluminescent bacteria that reside in the tumor, producing the chemicals needed to emit light. In this symbiotic relationship, bacteria have a place to live and thrive. Anglerfish benefit by attracting prey.

9. Fireflies (Firefly). Fireflies, found mainly in tropical and temperate climates, are beetles whose light-producing organs are located under their abdomens. Light is produced by the reaction of the chemical luciferin, oxygen, calcium, adenosine triphosphate, and the enzyme luciferase inside an organism’s luminous organ. In adults, bioluminescence is mainly used to attract mates and prey. In the larvae of fireflies, bioluminescence serves as a warning to predators not to eat them because they contain nasty toxic chemicals.

10. Snails (Clusterwink). This is a small snail native to the oceans off Australia. When disturbed, it will produce a flashing light, which helps the snail protect itself, distracting predators. This flickering light comes from a chemical secreted by snails and has bioluminescent bacteria.