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Noctiluca scintillans
Noctiluca is a genus of dinoflagellates in the family Noctilucaceae. Its only species is Noctiluca scintillans, a marine species that can exist in a green or red form, depending on the pigmentation in its vacuoles. It can be found worldwide, but its geographical distribution varies depending on whether it is green or red. This unicellular microorganism is known for its ability to bioluminesce, giving the water a bright blue glow seen at night. However, blooms of this species can be responsible for environmental hazards, such as toxic red tides. They may also be an indicator of anthropogenic eu
Species
sea sparkle
SPECIES
- KingdomChromista
- PhylumMyzozoa
- ClassDinophyceae
- OrderNoctilucales
- FamilyNoctilucaceae
Habitatmarine
via GBIF
Article
25 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Description
- Taxonomy
- Morphology and anatomy
- Place in the food chain
- Life cycle
- Trophonts
- Gamonts
- Zoospores
- Zygote formation
- Morphological development from zygote to trophont
- Environmental influences on sexual reproduction
- Distribution and habitat
- Favorable environment
- Geographical distribution
- Bioluminescence
- Risks
- Red tides
- Eutrophication
- Impact on coral reefs
- Role in the environment
- Calendar
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Noctiluca is a genus of dinoflagellates in the family Noctilucaceae. Its only species is Noctiluca scintillans, a marine species that can exist in a green or red form, depending on the pigmentation in its vacuoles. It can be found worldwide, but its geographical distribution varies depending on whether it is green or red. This unicellular microorganism is known for its ability to bioluminesce, giving the water a bright blue glow seen at night. However, blooms of this species can be responsible for environmental hazards, such as toxic red tides. They may also be an indicator of anthropogenic eutrophication.
==Etymology== The name Noctiluca scintillans comes from the Latin Noctiluca, meaning "light at night" and scintillans, meaning "shining, throwing out flashes of light".