Sunset Pondglow

Sunset Pondglow is a bioluminescent zooplankton that lives in the northern reaches of the Central Plains. It is named for the red, pink, or orange glow it emits for a few hours after sunset. Pondglow blooms are most common in the spring and fall. While the displays are most spectacular in large lakes, they may also occur in ponds and slow-moving streams.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Sunset Pondglow actually refers to blooms of free-floating zooplankton. Individuals are unicellular, and not large enough to see without a microscope. Their bioluminescence can only be spotted when sufficient numbers are present in a body of water.

Biological Traits

The bioluminescence of Sunset Pondglow is the result of a protein that acts as antifreeze during its dormant state. The protein is produced even outside the dormant state because it is mildly toxic to a few other species of zooplankton, thus deterring predation.

Genetics and Reproduction

Pondglow reproduce asexually via cell division, though they may engage in lateral gene transfer.

Ecology and Habitats

Sunset Pondglow thrives in the oxygenated photic zone of lakes and ponds. Mixed rather than stratified lakes are preferable as this increases nutrient availability. They can subsist in moving waters like streams, but colonies can only form if the streams are slow-moving.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Sunset Pondglow zooplankton primarily consume algae or phytoplankton. They can use flagellae for short bursts of movements, but primarily rely on water currents to bring nutrients to them.

Biological Cycle

Sunset Pondglow blooms are common in spring when ice and lake stratification give way to convection and mixing, along with renewed abundance of algae and phytoplankton. The combination of nutrients and oxygen allows the zooplankton to multiply rapidly, creating a thin film over the surface of the water. Their numbers stabilize in summer; the exact equilibrium is influenced by nutrient availability, competition, and predation (mostly by larger zooplankton or filter feeders). Sunset Pondglow blooms become common again due to the input of dead leaves and the reduced activity of some of their predators and competitors. When winter falls, Sunset Pondglow zooplankton enter a state of dormancy until the return of spring. They can survive in this state for months even if encased in ice; the protein responsible for their bioluminescence acts as antifreeze.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Blooms may form films along the water's surface

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Sunset Pondglow is often used decoratively in gardens, fountains, and artificial ponds. A few people claim that tea made with Sunset Pondglow can ward off sickness, but the tea is unpopular due to its bitter aftertaste.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Lakes and ponds in the northern reaches of the Central Plains

Conservation Status

Sunset Pondglow is beloved by residents of the Central Plains. It is frequently cultivated in artificial ponds and fountains. It is also quite common within its natural habitat.