Close Window Preview a Different Module Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence and its Circadian Regulation

Dinoflagellates occur ubiquitously in the oceans as planktonic forms, and are mostly responsible for the sparkling luminescence (erroneously called “ phosphorescence ”) of the ocean, Fig. 1, commonly seen at night (especially in summer) when the water is disturbed. They occur primarily in surface waters and many species are photosynthetic. In the “phosphorescent bays ” (e.g., in Puerto Rico), high densities of a single species ( Pyrodinium bahamense) occur. Red tides, Fig. 2, are blooms, essentially monocultures, of a given dinoflagellates species, which may or may not be luminous. Figure 1. An artist's rendition of dinoflagellate bioluminescence in the ocean as a poacher pulls a lobster trap at night. (See als