Meet Ctenoides ales, a bivalve that also goes by the names "electric flame scallop" and "fire clam." This invertebrate — which can be found off the coast of the Pacific Rim around Indonesia and Japan — manipulates the highly reflective tissue on its mantle in a wave-like motion, which gives the impression that an electrical arc is pulsing throughout its body.

It's not entirely clear what purpose this ersatz Tesla coil serves, but this flashy display could be a means to ward off predators. Here's another look at this animal, which offers a welcome palate cleanser for such marine fauna as tongue-stealing isopods.


[Via Kaj Maney and Pink Tentacle]