Species: Noctiluca scintillans | Dinoflagellate

Order: Noctiluciphyceae
Family: Noctilucaceae

Description: Large unarmored, round or kidney shaped cells with a striated tentacle, one flagellum  and a eukaryotic nucleus. Cytoplasm may contain photosynthetic symbionts and gametes are gymnodinoid.  Phagotrophic with food vacuoles containing prey. Chloroplasts absent.

Cell Size: Diameter = 200-2,000um

Distribution: Cosmopolitan, neritic, cold, and warm waters.

Interesting Facts: Bioluminescent except in the NE Pacific. Reported to produce ammonium during large blooms (orange-red), which may be toxic to fish.