Flash Dance

Dr. Wolfgang Sterrer

In summer Bermuda's brightest night spot is a shallow bay. That's where Bermuda fireworms mate — and light up the night in the process!

The fireworm, known by scientists as Odontosyllis enopla, is a strange creature indeed. It mates each month in summer, peaking on the third night after a full moon — 56 minutes after sunset, to be precise.

The female worm is first to rise slowly to the water's surface. Suddenly chemicals in her body begin to give off a phosphorescent glow. She swims rapidly in small luminous circles. As if electrified, male worms streak up from the bottom and home in on the female.

The dancers mingle eggs and sperm in a brilliant green flash that lasts no longer than a few seconds. Then the shallow bays in which the fireworms spawn seem to light up as if by magic. The show is over in minutes but resumes a month later at full moon. The timing is so precise you could set your watch by it. At the end of their spectacular mating ritual the worms sink back to the muddy sand floor of the bay.

The phenomenon has been observed for decades. It was precisely described in 1911 from observations made in 1904 in Flatts, the site today of a world-famed aquarium and marine research centre. The authors of that early report suggested "the matter should receive more careful study." But it was not until 1959 that the suggestion was followed — by three teenagers.

As the story goes, Clem Markert, a biology professor at Yale University who spent the summer with his family at the Biological Station in Flatts, was looking for ways to keep his children out of mischief. Instead of telling them to watch TV, he said, "Go figure out what these worms do, when and why." That's exactly what the kids did. They ended up producing a much-quoted classic of biological literature.

If you're visiting Bermuda in summer, you may want to see the fireworm mating ritual yourself. Find a shallow, sheltered bay not too close to electric lights. The little bridge at the end of Ferry Reach Park long has been a favourite observation post. Other potential sites include Ely's Harbour, St. David's or Flatts. Viewing is best three nights after a full moon. Fewer and fewer worms join in on succeeding nights.

It's a spectacular show — Bermuda's brightest night spot — and best of all, this show is free!

Excerpted with permission from Bermuda's Marine Life by Dr. Wolfgang Sterrer.

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