An underwater camera having high speed film is coupled to illumination apparatus that includes a pair of ultraviolet-white-light fluorescent light bulbs for illuminating fluorescent life forms at night, and having a substantial component of ultraviolet light of a wavelength of about 365 nanometers, along with light having significant components of wavelength extending substantially throughout the visible spectrum. A transparent optical grade tubular protective enclosure surrounds the light bulbs and their electrical components.