Noctiluca
is the genus of the organism,
noctiluca scintillans,
that causes phosphorescence in the ocean at night.
It is a dinoflagellate, a single
celled algae. Unlike several red tide
causing dinoflagellates, noctiluca is nontoxic and
therefore has an uplifting influence on those who
are lucky enough to see its brilliant nocturnal
light show. It
is commonly known as the seasparkle. Noctiluca
scintillans does have its
competitive side, however, in that it is heterotrophic, and
devours other organisms. Our planned
journeys aboard Noctiluca, though, are
intended more to produce that pleasant
feeling associated with the dinoflagellate's
nighttime exhibitions. |
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