[3] A. purpurea expels large quantities of luminous fluid when distressed.

[4] When it is discharged into the water, luciferin contained in the fluid reacts with oxygen to produce luciferase and light.

It is believed that this fluid is intended to confuse or distract predators.

A. purpurea is one of several species of deep sea shrimp that are known to expel bioluminescent fluid, including Heterocarpus ensifer, Systellaspis debilis, and Olophorus gracilorostris.

It engages in courtship displays through olfactory and tactile cues, and usually employs indirect sperm transfer.