Amazing effect

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(Bild: kameraOne (Screenshot))

Beachgoers at Newport Beach in California recently observed an astonishing phenomenon. Dinoflagellates, tiny single-celled organisms, caused neon-blue waves in the dark (see video above).

The glow, which was filmed on Tuesday, is caused by bioluminescence - the ability of living organisms to produce light themselves. The water glowed because millions and millions of dinoflagellates - small single-celled organisms that are capable of bioluminescence - emitted light.

Reaction to mechanical stimulation
As researchers have discovered, the glow is a reaction to mechanical stimulation. The tiny single-celled organisms react to changes in flow and waves by emitting neon blue light. However, it is also enough to drive a boat across the water (see video above) or to move your hands rapidly back and forth in the water.

Tiny protozoa react to waves by emitting neon blue light.(Bild: kameraOne (Screenshot))

Glowing protects against predators
Like so many things in nature, glowing has an important function: the microorganisms glow as a form of self-protection to irritate fish and other predators. Glowing prey signals danger to potential enemies and sometimes prevents the dinoflagellates from being eaten.