Five of the species release the glowing bombs, which probably serve to distract predators while the worm escapes. The team has named the first of these species Swima bombiviridis.
"They usually have about eight of the bombs, and they drop one or two at a time," explained Dr Osborn.
Because of the tiny size of the bombs - approximately 1-2mm in diameter - and the bright lights used by the submersible vehicles, the team was unable to capture this bombing on film in the deep ocean.
"So we bring the animals up to study them," Dr Osborn said. "If you transfer the animal into a small tank, and harass it a little bit with forceps - kind of bump it anywhere on the body - it will release one of these bombs.
"As soon as [the bomb] is released it starts glowing green and the animal swims away."
more about "Glowing 'bomber worms' discovered", posted with vodpod