Spectral properties of Noctiluca miliaris Suriray, a heterotrophic dinoflagellate

This note examines the role of Noctiluca miliaris Suriray, aheterotrophic dinoflagellate, as a spectral light absorber andcompares its light absorption to that of other dinoflagellates.The discussion emphasizes that carotenoids are responsible formuch of Noctiluca's orange coloration and that an algal heterotrophcan significantly alter ocean color. A bloom of Noctiluca couldbe detected by the Coastal Zone Color Scanner thus causing errorin the estimate of autotrophic pigments as well as estimatesof primary production. ¹This paper is dedicated to Martin W.Johnson on the occasionof his 90th birthday.