Glowing, harpoon-wielding dinoflagellate redefines marine predators
Researchers sampling water from Scripps Pier identified Polykrikos kofoidii, a predatory bioluminescent dinoflagellate that uses harpoon-like structures to feed on prey including toxic algae. Its luciferin is distributed across the entire cell, producing slower, dimmer blue-green flashes compared with other dinoflagellates. The discovery could enhance understanding of marine ecosystems and inform potential approaches to managing harmful algal blooms.
