Marine Curios #16 – Ctenoides ales or disco clam

Ctenoides ales, commonly known as the disco clam, is famous for its flashing light display. This clam uses highly reflective silica tissue to reflect sunlight or diving lights, creating a mesmerizing effect. Originally believed to produce bioluminescence, studies discovered that it can rapidly expose and hide this silica edge to create a flashing appearance. Researchers suggest that this light show may help deter predators, making it an interesting sight while scuba diving in regions like Indonesia and Palau.