A popular theory is that the light is used to attract predators of the grazers of dinoflagellates. They are simply throwing water into the bay as the algae only luminesce when disturbed. Here's a video of one such concentration in a bay in australia. Chances are you've heard of this phenomenon before which (albeit not involving this particular organism) is also known as a Red Tide. However, when the conditions are right (excess nutrients, enough sun, etc) an algal bloom can occur and populations explode. These dinoflagellates typically do not occur in high enough concentrations among marine algae to produce a very noticeable glow. Today however, we'll focus on a particular light emitting alga known as Pyrocystis fusiformis. (Here's a favorite video of mine from planet earth on the glow worm ) Some of the more notable organisms that bioluminesce include fireflies, glow worms, bacteria, a plethora of marine life, and even mushrooms. While related, the name doesn't come from any devilish origins, but rather the latin 'lucifer' meaning "light bringer".ĭepending on the organism, the light can be used for camouflage, attraction, or even communication among bacteria to name a few.
This chemical reaction involves the oxidation of Luciferin (just a name for a class of biological light emitting pigments). Chances are however, you probably haven't heard too much about the plethora of other bioluminescent creatures inhabiting this planet.īioluminescence (literally meaning living light) occurs within many living organisms, although, most are relegated to the deep sea. You may have even watched some discovery channel documentary on the mysteries of the deep sea and marveled at those 'glowing' organisms featured. You may have memories of running after fireflies with hands outstretched on a warm summer evening.
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