The ocean comes alive with fascinating phenomena after dark. This is when strange creatures from the depths emerge, creating the world’s largest orgy. If you’re curious to learn more about what happens in the sea at night, here are some interesting facts:
The Sea Shimmers with Bioluminescence
At night, the ocean becomes a mesmerizing spectacle as it sparkles with electric blue lights. This stunning natural phenomenon is caused by bioluminescent creatures called Dinoflagellates. When these rare creatures are disturbed, they emit a bright blue light, creating a beautiful display on the water’s surface.
During the day, Dinoflagellates have a less attractive red-brown color.
Nocturnal Creatures That Emit Light
The emission of light by organisms is a result of natural chemical reactions, and it is observed in various marine animals such as squid, mollusks, and certain fish species. Many deep-sea fish display bioluminescence at night. These “flashlight fish” have a special pouch under their eyes that can rotate to emit light. They use this light for hunting and communication, and it serves purposes such as camouflage, predation, and defense.
Moonlight Triggers the Largest Orgy on Earth
Once a year, during spring, an incredible synchronized event takes place in the ocean. Over 130 coral species release their eggs and sperm into the water simultaneously within a 30-60 minute timeframe. This event, triggered by lunar light, is a remarkable example of the natural world’s synchronicity. The released gametes briefly float on the surface, forming a ghostly replica of the reef’s shape, before dispersing underwater to fertilize and create new life. Other triggers for this phenomenon include water temperature, tides, and water conditions.
Celestial Light Affects Fish Behavior
For certain species of seals, moonlight poses a danger. During winter, approximately 60,000 cape fur seals must navigate their way through waters where great white sharks are known to patrol. The bright moonlight exposes the seals against the surface, making them easy targets for predation. Interestingly, sharks tend to attack seals just after sunrise, implying that the animals feel a little safer at dawn according to studies.
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