Ostracod Dive
What is an Ostracod Dive?
In tropical waters, such as around the Caribbean, bioluminescent ostracods are also known as “blue sand.” These tiny organisms create stunning light displays, especially at night.
Extraordinary experience
an Ostracod dive is one of the most extraordinary experiences you’ll ever have. This is a very special dive. Our Dive PROs know exactly what is needed to experience this phenomenon at its best, and we’d be delighted to guide you through it.
The best timing for an Ostracod dive is determined by the phases of the moon and the sun. Beyond the Corals has developed an automatic calendar to predict these moments with precision. On the green calendar days and times, the chances of witnessing this phenomenon are optimal.
What are Ostracods?
An ostracod (also called a seed shrimp) is a tiny, shrimp-like crustacean that belongs to the class Ostracoda within the arthropod phylum. Ostracods can be found worldwide, in both salt and fresh water, but the phenomenon is not easy to spot everywhere. On Bonaire, it is an incredible sight!
Features:
Habitat:
They live in a wide range of environments, from deep oceans to freshwater lakes and rivers. Some are planktonic, while others dwell on the seabed.
Size:
Usually between 0.1 mm and 2 mm in size.
Body and shell:
They have a shell that resembles a clam, made of calcium or chitin. Their entire body is enclosed within this shell, with a limited number of legs.
Movement:
Ostracods use their legs to move around or filter food from the water.
Bioluminescence:
Some ostracods, especially species in tropical waters, are bioluminescent. They produce light, often to attract a mate.
Dinoflagellates or “Star Dust”
Simultaneously with the Ostracod phenomenon, there is often a second bioluminescent plankton organism present, making the light display even more magical. These organisms emit light when mechanically stimulated, such as by water movement from swimmers, divers, or waves.
Their glow is often described as a bluish or greenish “sparkle” or “stardust,” reminiscent of Tinkerbell’s magical dust.
ECO importance
Ostracods play an important role in food chains as prey for small fish and other aquatic organisms. They are also used as bio-indicators to assess water quality.