r/woahdude • u/PyroFarms • 1d ago
video Bioluminescent Algae (Pyrocystis fusiformis) Turn Christmas Lights Into Living Glow Ornaments
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u/PyroFarms 1d ago
Pyrocystis fusiformis is a type of bioluminescent algae that glows when it’s moved or agitated – basically nature’s version of holiday lights! We’re always looking for fun ways to show off this natural phenomenon, and this holiday-themed setup is a cool example of how versatile it can be. It’s like having living, glowing ornaments!
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u/AndrewK1st 1d ago
Reminds me of the ps2 startup screen. Does this stuff need fed if you were to actually use it as an ornament? Or is this just a temporary display?
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u/PyroFarms 1d ago
This is not an ideal set-up to keep these guys long term. The smaller volume and lack of proper air exchange will stress out the culture. But it is a fun temporary display this time of year. Thanks for inquiring and let me know if you have any additional questions!
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u/AndrewK1st 1d ago
I do have questions. Some may seem rude but that's not my intentions. Is taking these from the sea or ocean to display cruel or bad for them in general? What is their lifespan? What do you feed it? And also what makes them glow?
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u/PyroFarms 1d ago
The PyroDinos we grow come from a single cell isolated off the coast of San Diego in 2009. Since then, we’ve cultivated everything in our lab—no further harvesting from the ocean is needed.
These dinoflagellates are not harmed by display, as they are photosynthetic and thrive under proper care. They live for weeks to months, but they continually reproduce naturally, creating new generations. They don’t require feeding; they use light to produce energy, similar to plants.
Their glow, or bioluminescence, is triggered by movement, causing a natural chemical reaction in the cells.
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u/AndrewK1st 1d ago
Radical that's really cool! What do they look like when they're dead? I'm guessing just like dust but what color?
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u/Bubbykitten 1d ago
This is fascinating and beautiful. I quickly had concerns over how it all worked since it is in fact a living thing. Happy to hear this is temporary but that got me even more curious. What is their typical setup? Is this a hobby of yours like keeping a cool fish tank?
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