Note
This study provides the first description of bioluminescence in the cirrate octopod Stauroteuthis syrtensis. We also describe the anatomy and ultrastructure of the photophores in comparison with the morphology reported for cephalopod photophores (Herring et al., 1987) and octopod suckers (Kier and Smith, 1990; Budelmann et al., 1997). In addition, we present a hypothesis to explain how the presence of light organs relates to the feeding behavior postulated for these animals. A preliminary account of this research has been presented by Johnsen et ale (1999).