the ability to glow

Vibrio Harveyi - the Blue Lantern

Vibrio Harveyi are a marine bacteria that are bioluminescent, which means that they are able to glow, sort of like when the superhero the Green Lantern glows green.

How was it discovered?

The genus Vibrio waswere first discovered by the Danish scientist Otto Friedrich Müller. These bacteria are called Vibrio because of the way they move, using a flagellum, which is like a small propeller. One type of organism in this genus, Vibrio Cholerae, became well known because it was shown to cause the infection Cholera. V. Harveyi specifically were found infecting marine animals such as farmed prawns.

What makes its power unique?

V. Harveyi are found in tropical marine waters and inside the body of some marine animals. They are able to glow blue during the night. This is called bioluminescence.

Why does it need this power?

Scientists believe bioluminescence provides a way for bacteria to communicate with each other. In V. Harveyi, this is visible with groups glowing blue together.

What do V. Harveyi look like in real life?

Image source

Other types of bioluminescent organisms can sometimes even be seen off of the coast of California.