Scientists discover first 'glowing' sea turtle

Mary Bowerman | USA TODAY Network

Scientists diving near the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific recently discovered what they think is the first glow-in-the-dark sea turtle.

Video shot by National Geographic emerging explorer David Gruber appears to show the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle glowing neon green and red.

Gruber, a marine biologist at City University of New York, discovered the turtle during a night dive in late July. In a video released by National Geographic on Sept. 28, Gruber said the sea turtle looked like a “bright red and green spaceship.”

He said they think this is the first time scientists have observed a reptile exhibiting bioflourescence, or the ability to absorb light and emit it as a different color.

Gruber said the discovery opens new questions about how the turtles are using bioflourescence.

“We know they have really good vision and they go under these long and arduous migrations," he said. "But how are they using this? Are they using it to find each other or to attract each other?"

Gruber noted that there are only a few thousands breeding females left in some areas.

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