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Nature 393, 731-733 (25 June 1998) | doi:10.1038/31582

Bioluminescence:  Dolphins glow with the flow

Peter J. Herring1

The dynamics of flow over the surface of animals — ranging from insects in flight to swimming fish — have been examined using optical methods and markers such as dye, air bubbles and smoke. At the same time, amateur and professional seafarers (and biologists) have considered themselves extremely lucky if they have seen the firework displays produced by dolphins swimming in waters that contain high levels of bioluminescent plankton (Fig. 1