Phronima is a genus of deep sea hyperiid amphipod species, some of which have been found to wear anti-reflective coatings. Photo by Laura Bagge/Duke University

DURHAM, N.C., Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Crustaceans eking out a living in the ocean's middle depths, where sunlight fades to black, have developed translucent exoskeletons to avoid detection by upward-looking predators.

Deep sea hunters have, in turn, evolved bioluminescent lamps and spotlights to locate their prey. But new research suggests midwater marine creatures have evolved a defense against such tactics, too -- nanotech camouflage.


During a recent expedition, scientists with Duke University and the Smithsonian Institution discovered crustaceans decorated with anti-reflective coatings, tiny bead-like paneling capable of dampening reflected light.

Even more bizarre, the anti-reflective coatings appear to be composed of living bacteria.

"They have all the features of bacteria, but to be 100 percent sure, we're going to have to perform an in-depth sequencing project," lead researcher Laura Bagge, a Ph.D. candidate at Duke, explained in a news release.

The unique coatings are worn by several species organized under a suborder of amphipods called Hyperiidae. Whether they're composed of bacteria or something else, the coatings effectively hide their wearers from lantern fish and other predators.

"This coating of little spheres reduces reflections the same way putting a shag carpet on the walls of a recording studio would soften echoes," Bagge said.

Similar coatings have been found in the eyes of moths, and researchers say they could inspire anti-reflective glass and other optical technologies.

If they are formed by living microbes, researchers will need to figure out how the partnership between amphipods and bacteria began. What exactly is in it for the microbes?

Researchers detailed their discovery in a new paper published this week in the journal Current Biology.