September 16, 2022
In a new study, it was found that variegated snailfish that live in extremely cold waters off the coast of Greenland are full of natural anti-freeze proteins at levels never seen before. Though scientists were aware that these tiny fish produce antifreeze proteins that help them adapt to the cold, they did not know that the fish were filled with these proteins to such a huge extent. They also didn’t realise the amount of effort the fish took to produce the proteins.
The variegated snailfish is the only known polar fish that is biofluorescent, which means it glows. The study of its antifreeze proteins will help scientists understand the freezing properties of meat and ways in which crops could be protected from the cold.
Did You Know?
Northern Greenland witnesses temperatures as low as -70°C.
REFLECTION: Amazing Adaptations
Do some research to understand how fish have adapted to living in the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean.
