Bioluminescent Algae

What is it?

Bioluminescent algae are dinoflagellates. These unicellular marine plankton photosynthesize, requiring approximately 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness for every 24-hour cycle. During the dark portion of their circadian cycle, bioluminescent algae glow when they are physically agitated.

Where can I get it?

• Sunnyside Sea Farms sells Pyrocystis fusiformis http://www.seafarms.com/
• Empco sells Pyrocystis fusiformis, Pyrocystis noctiluca, and Pyrocystis lunula http://empco.org/edu/

How do I use it?

Other Resources

• Bioluminescence Web Page from UC Santa Barbara: http://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/
• Dinoflagellate Culturing guide from Scripps Institution of Oceanography: http://siobiolum.ucsd.edu/dino_culture.html