Bioluminescent Dinoflagellates live in the worlds oceans they are approximately 30 µm to 1 mm large. In large numbers they make up what we call red tides. They glow a bright blue that is triggered by motion it is believed that this mechanism is for protection. Such as startling predators, throwing off feeding patterns, and attracting larger predators. The blue flash of light is created when the protons in the cell increase and drop the internal ph. This can be observed for only 20ms making it one of the fastest cellular reactions. Each day the luciferin which is depleted by motion is recharged. They work on circadian rhythm and only glow for half of the day. Observed at 40x filtered light compound light microscope
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