Peter,

If you have access to a malacological library (or Inter-Library Loan),
check the papers:

Okutani, T. 1994. A new discovery of streak-like flashing luminescence in
_Ctenoides ales_ (Finley, 1927) (Bivalvia: Limidae). Venus 53: 57-59.

Okutani, T. 1995. More story on luminescent file shell. Chiribotan 25: 70
(In Japanese).

Okubo, S. et al. 1999. On the mechanism of streak-like flash on the mantle
of _Ctenoides ales_ (Bivalvia: Limidae). Venus 56: 259-269 (In Japanese,
English abstract, but with great color pictures of the stuff).

The flashes are produced by epithelial cells on the mantle edge, not by
microorganisms.

Best wishes,

Jose
__________________________________________________________________________
José H. Leal, Ph.D.
Director, The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Editor-in-chief, THE NAUTILUS
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