Ostracod Bioluminescence Dive

Earlier this week, we learned about bioluminescence, which is a process where an organism produces and emits light created from a chemical reaction. There are multiple theories (4 Fs) as to why organisms may use bioluminescence.

• Feeding - to attract prey 
• Fleeing - to evade predators 
• Fighting - to communicate within their species
• Flirting - to attract mate

There are also multiple strategies used that are either defensive of offensive actions. An example of a defensive strategy is to misdirect predators using bioluminescence, which is when an organism can produce a smoke screen directing the predator away from them in order to escape. An offensive strategy example is using bioluminescence to lure prey.

Tonight, we got to go on a dive to see bioluminescence along the reef. We saw ostracod's as they were performing their mating displays. The displays moved vertically up in the water column, where the males are producing a series of flashes to attract females. Males may lead, entrain, or sneak. Males that lead are the first of the night to start displaying, whereas, a male who entrains is competing with the leading males by producing displays parallel to other males. A male who sneaks does not display but follows close to another male in hopes of intercepting the female. During the dive, I saw both males that lead and entrain but no sneakers (you cannot see them). 

It was a cool experience to see these mating displays in nature. Along with the learning aspect of this dive, being suspended in the water in almost complete darkness hovering in one spot waiting for the ostracods to start their mating displays was alluring. Not being able to see anything besides shadows and little blue lights flashing every so often created this mysteriousness that was welcoming. There was nothing to fear as we waited for nature to show us something that not many people get to see. It's hard to explain the experience and the emotions that I feel when I am diving because words do not seem to do the adventure justice. Hopefully, by the end of my time here in Bonaire I will find the right words to describe the feeling I have when diving.