Odontosyllis- Bioluminescent Worms

Scientists have identified the green glow seen by Christopher Columbus over 500 years ago as Odontosyllis- a genes of worms commonly known as fireworms.  These bioluminescent worms are the source of the "circular mating dance before the twice-monthly quarter moon", that are often mistaken for reflections from the night sky. The worms reach up to 15 millimeters in size and are found in shallow coastal areas. These areas include the coastes of Southern California, Puerto Rico, Belize, Bermuda and sometimes British Columbia. Scientists suspect that their diet consists of coral and sponges found on the ocean floor.
(Photo taken by Dimitri Deheyn/Scripps Institution of Oceanography)

Dimitri Deheyn of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography stated that the "females swim in luminescent two-inch circles, while the males follow them, glowing in bursts of light." The breeding show only lasts for 20 to 30 minutes after sunset, so as to not attract predators. Scientists have identified the source of their bioluminescence as photoproteins.  These photoproteins are being applied to medical studies in hopes that the genes responsible for photoproteins will illuminate cancer cells or apoptotic cells.

Original Article:
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/08/a-mysterious-light-gleamed-as-columbus-drew-near/