Scientists have discovered a bright ability

A number of species that live at the bottom of the ocean in the Caribbean are able to glow, according to a new study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology.

Scientists aboard a submersible collected and observed various sea creatures during an expedition just off the Bahamas, at depths as low as 3,280 feet (1000 metres).

The sea creatures studied included the glowing shrimp, giant isopods, shimmering brittle stars (pictured), deep-sea crabs, squat lobsters and humpback black devils, as well as glowing anemones, which many non-glowing creatures used to their advantage.

Their study found that the glow, or bioluminescence, could help the deep-sea creatures colour-code their food.

Marine biologist at Florida's Nova Southeastern Oceanographic Center and co-author of the study, Tamara Frank, said: "It's possible that these animals are using the different colours of bioluminescence to decide, "Yes, I like that," or, "No, I'm not interested in that.'"

The scientists also found that deep-sea animals tend to glow green, rather than the more typical blue. Frank said this is probably because green light carries a bit further down on the seabed, where it would be more difficult to see blue light.

Frank added that it is unclear whether this trait is unique to the Bahamas. She said: "We really need to get out there and look at more regions."