Bioluminescent Phytoplankton, Making The Ocean Look Like Something From A Sci-Fi Movie
The ocean’s appearance in this photo might make you think it was taken from a computer-generated movie, but it is actually due to bioluminescent phytoplankton. Phytoplankton is tiny marine organisms that can cause the ocean scene to light up at night. Some bioluminescent organisms don’t create luciferin; instead, they get it through other organisms.
Phytoplanktons use luminescence as a means of defense against their predators. When they are attacked, the phytoplanktons will flash brightly, which startles the predator (usually a fish). To see this beautiful and defensive action taking place, one would need to go to the beach.