Pedinomonas noctilucae

Pedinomonas noctilucae is a photosynthetic organism that lives in a symbiotic relationship with Noctiluca, a marine dinoflagellate. This endosymbiosis is a primary source of nutrition for Noctiluca, particularly in tropical and subtropical waters. The presence of thousands of P. noctilucae within Noctiluca's vacuoles gives the host organism a green coloration, leading to the designation "green Noctiluca."1

Noctiluca scintillans, the single species in the genus Noctiluca, is a common bioluminescent organism found in coastal regions worldwide. It is known for the "sea sparkle" phenomenon, where its bioluminescence is visible at night, especially during blooms. These blooms, which appear red or pink in daylight, can be harmful to fish and other marine life.1

Bioluminescence in Noctiluca is triggered by mechanical stimuli, such as wave action, and is caused by the chemical reaction of luciferin and luciferase within granules in the cell. Noctiluca reproduces through binary or multiple fission.123