Journal Article

Blind Cave Fish May Trade Color for Energy. Pasty cave fish seem to repurpose a melanin-making molecule to better survive famine

Callier, V.

Record Number:
5959
Year:
2022
Journal:
Scientific American
Pages:
16-17
Volume:
327, 3
PMCID:
http://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0922-16a
URL:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/blind-cave-fish-may-trade-color-for-energy/
Abstract:
Astyanax mexicanus cave fish have adapted to an incredibly tough environment: chilly, pitch-dark caves that flood about once a year, providing brief feasts separated by long periods of starvation. These fish put on fat easily, maintain high blood glucose levels and sleep very little. They also have lost their eyes and coloration. Despite the challenging conditions they live relatively long lives, often reaching 15 years. Now new genetic research shows that the loss of color, rather than being incidental to evolution, may actually help these hardy fish generate crucial energy.
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species:
Astyanax jordani (Hubbs and Innes 1936) Buckup 2003