You may have seen them on your Instagram feed or on travel blogs — beaches lit up at night with a mystical blue-green glow. While these images may look otherworldly, tiny, bioluminescent organisms produce the hypnotizing glow. You can find these organisms throughout the oceans, and even on land, using their bioluminescence for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a deeper dive into what bioluminescent organisms are and where you can find them.
What are Bioluminescent Organisms?
Bioluminescence occurs during a chemical reaction called chemiluminescence – where chemical energy converts to radiant energy. Because this reaction is so efficient, it produces little heat. Notable bioluminescent organisms include certain species of fish, bacteria, plankton and insects.
Organisms use bioluminescence for several reasons. Some squids secrete a bioluminescent cloud to distract predators. Some fish, like the anglerfish, use a bioluminescent lure to attract their prey. Fireflies use their blinking lights while trying to attract a mate. However, when it comes to the glowing beaches, one organism is responsible — dinoflagellates.
