The Radiant Sea

A Top Ten Photography Book of 2025 from Smithsonian Magazine + Wall Street Journal 2025 Holiday Pick! 

Breathtaking displays of color and light from an array of ocean life forms, with vivid photography and insightful text about the science of transparency, bioluminescence, and fluorescence

Deep in the ocean, a myriad of creatures, including jellyfish, coral, shrimp, sharks, squid, lantern fish, anglerfish, sea fireflies, and fireworms use multi-colored lights for defense, luring food, attracting mates, and communication.

The Radiant Sea presents an exciting new perspective on the mysterious environment that accounts for 99 percent of the habitable space on Earth but remains hidden to the casual observer. Two of the world’s leading researchers explore the nature of underwater light, investigating the varieties of transparency, pigmentation, iridescence, bioluminescence, and fluorescence.

Based on the latest available research, they examine the need for—and likely function of—color and light shows among marine species. Each luminous wonder is described with informative captions and colorfully represented by the finest nature photography.