Meet the Antarctic icefish: The only vertebrate with no red blood living in the Southern Ocean
Antarctic icefish uniquely survive without haemoglobin and myoglobin proteins. This genetic mutation led to significant physiological changes for survival. Their larger hearts and increased blood volume compensate for reduced oxygen transport. Cold Antarctic waters hold abundant dissolved oxygen, aiding their survival. Higher nitric oxide levels also played a role in their adaptation.
Antarctic icefish uniquely survive without haemoglobin and myoglobin proteins. This genetic mutation led to significant physiological changes for survival. Their larger hearts and increased blood volume compensate for reduced oxygen transport. Cold Antarctic waters hold abundant dissolved oxygen, aiding their survival. Higher nitric oxide levels also played a role in their adaptation.
