A Woman in Cavite Bought Galunggong That Glows in the Dark — Here's Why Scientists Say It's (Probably) Not Dangerous
Maricris Radam from Dasmariñas, Cavite just wanted to cook a normal dinner — pero her galunggong had other plans. While cleaning the fish she bought from a public market, she noticed something straight out of a sci-fi movie: it was glowing blue-green in the dark.
'Noong nililinis ko na siya, napansin ko na para siyang umiilaw. Blue-green siya na parang spot, dot dot,' Maricris shared on '24 Oras.' She turned off the lights to confirm what she was seeing — and the fish was indeed lit up. Despite her shock, she still cooked it, pero refused to eat it. 'First time kong makakita ng galunggong na ganoon,' she said.
Marine biologist Glennville Castrence explained the phenomenon: the glow is likely caused by bioluminescent bacteria called Photobacterium phosphoreum. These are naturally occurring microorganisms in the ocean that have the capability to emit 'cold light' through a chemical reaction between luciferin and luciferase in their bodies.
The bacteria are symbiotic — they attach to fish and multiply on the skin, gills, and body. 'Mas nakikita na natin sila lalo na sa dark na area,' Castrence explained. Basically, these tiny organisms have been hitchhiking on fish since forever; it's just that most people don't see them unless they're in a dark room.
The good news? Castrence said there are no reports that consuming fish with bioluminescent bacteria is harmful to humans. But he still advised caution: if you're doubtful about the freshness of your fish, better to throw it out than risk a bad experience. So if your galunggong starts glowing at night — don't panic, pero maybe buy a fresher batch next time.
Source: GMA News
