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December 19, 2016
BIO-LUMINESCENT PLANKTON IN MALDIVES : A STARRY SKY IN THE DARK WATER
An article by Cruising Maldives
One of the most spectacular sights in Maldives is to witness the hundreds of tiny star-like bio luminescent phytoplankton scintillating like a starry sky in the dark water. It’s an unforgettable experience when beaches come alive with light — at night — giving off a twinkling sky look in the dark waves.
WHAT IS BIO-LUMINESCENT PLANKTON?
The word bio-luminescence comes from “bio,” meaning life, and “lumin,” meaning light. It is the production and emission of light by plankton. Plankton is a drifting organism that lives in the oceans (primarily warm tropical waters) and is a major food source for fishes and sea mammals.
Chemicals inside the plankton produce energy which stimulate other particles on vibration and create light which causes the glow.
Plankton can use Bio luminescence to evade by surprising the predators, to attract a mate or simply to demonstrate their stress when moved by a wave or touched by animal and human.
Planktondon’t glow all of the time. It takes a lot of energy to make the chemicals that allow them to glow.
WHERE TO SEE BIO-LUMINESCENT PLANKTON?
Bio luminescence occurs in all the world’s oceans but Maldives is definitely the most famous destination for spotting this natural phenomenon.
The Maldives are reputed for their amazing white beaches and fantastic marine life and almost every island is visited by bio-luminescence plankton.
There is no specific location or hotel in the Maldives where plankton regularly appear. Just remember there is always an element of luck involved in this and no hotel or travel agent can guarantee the seeing of bio-luminescent plankton.
Plankton is common in warm-water lagoons and best period for spotting is from October to April (Best air and sea temperature) but remember that it can be visible at anytime and anywhere.
Cruising holidays or night dives offer you more chances to spot bio luminescent plankton.
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