Bioluminescent Plankton Spotted In Santa Cruz Co. Waters: Report

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Beaches across California have been glowing this summer. And now the glow-in-the-dark plankton have been spotted in Aptos, KSBW reported.

Like fireflies, some plankton are bioluminescent, meaning they can glow in the dark, according to Arizona State University. Most glow blue, but bioluminescent plankton have been spotted radiating green, red and orange.

The majority of bioluminescent creatures live in the ocean, but such sightings are rare, according to National Geographic. Bioluminescent plankton tend to gather in warm-water lagoons or bays, with narrow openings that make it less likely for them to venture out to the open seas.

SEE: Bioluminescence Brings Glowing Blue Waves To San Diego County

Most plankton aren't bioluminescent, but they squirt bioluminescent chemicals into water as a defense against predators, according to ASU. If predators instead attack the bioluminescent matter, this gives the plankton time to escape.

Others use their glow-in-the-dark abilities to attract mates or lure prey, according to ASU and National Geographic.

See the glowing Aptos waves at KSBW.