SNAILFISH | IAS GYAN

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Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History have discovered that the Snailfish found around Greenland iceberg habitat can survive in icy Arctic waters, as they have special ‘antifreeze’ proteins in their bloodstream.

Snailfish

It is a small fish glowing in green and red.
Snailfish is the only polar fish to have biofluorescence, this feature is rarely found in Arctic fish due to long periods of darkness in the region.
- Biofluorescence is the ability of an organism to convert blue light into green, red, or yellow light.
They have antifreeze proteins, which allow snailfish to prevent ice crystals from accumulating in their cells and body fluid.
- Antifreeze proteins are rare among sea organisms.
- It is important for the survival of snailfish, as fish cannot survive being partially frozen, unlike certain other reptile and insect species.

Concern

The researchers have also raised concern that the snailfish could be in trouble due to the melting of the Arctic ice and its warm water due to climate change,
Warmer water would increase the biodiversity in the arctic waters; it could increase competition and negatively affects the snailfish's position in the food chain.

Way Forward

The study shows how marine life can use its unique adaptation mechanisms to sustain in sub-zero temperatures.