What causes seafood to glow?
The “glowing” effect is most likely caused by bioluminescent marine bacteria. Fish and shellfish sometimes demonstrate this phenomenon because the bioluminescent marine bacteria are part of their natural body micro flora. When they are present in sufficient numbers, a glow can be emitted from the seafood. The luminescent compound luciferase is not toxic and presents no danger to people. Preparation and cooking of the fish or shellfish does not necessarily eliminate the bioluminescent factor so it is not unreasonable to observe this phenomenon in ready-to-eat seafood products.
