Antarctic icefish: Transparent creatures adapted to extremely cold environments.
Vietnam.vn EN
21/02/2026 00:06:00
Discover the extraordinary abilities of Antarctic icefish, from their transparent blood to their unique circulatory system that allows them to survive in extremely cold waters.
Antarctic icefish and their extraordinary abilities in icy waters. Antarctic icefish, belonging to the family Channiechthyidae, are a group of fish that live around the Antarctic continent, famous for their nearly transparent bodies and their ability to survive in extremely cold waters. Photo: scientificamerican.com.
Their blood is transparent because it lacks hemoglobin. The most distinctive feature of icefish is that their blood contains no hemoglobin, the pigment that gives most vertebrates their red color, making their blood almost transparent. (Image: fishesofaustralia.net.au)
A unique way of transporting oxygen. Instead of relying on hemoglobin, icefish absorb oxygen directly through their plasma and skin, thanks to the very high concentration of dissolved oxygen in the frigid Antarctic water. Photo: mindenpictures.com.
Their circulatory system is exceptionally adapted. To compensate for their low oxygen-carrying capacity, icefish have large hearts, wide blood vessels, and high blood flow, which helps distribute oxygen efficiently throughout their bodies. Photo: fishesofaustralia.net.au.
Proteins that prevent blood and body tissue from clotting. Icefish produce special anticoagulant proteins that prevent ice crystals from forming in their blood and tissues, allowing them to survive in water temperatures of around -2 to 2 degrees Celsius. Photo: zmescience.com.
Their bodies are almost colorless. The skin and tissues of icefish have very little pigment, making their bodies appear transparent or pale white, both as a result of evolution in dark, cold environments and to aid in camouflage. Photo: bas.ac.uk.
The biological cost of adaptation. The lack of hemoglobin makes icefish less adaptable to rising water temperatures, limiting their range and making them vulnerable to climate change. Photo: springernature.com.
Antarctic icefish are a living testament to the extraordinary adaptability of organisms and are an important subject of study in evolution, physiology, and global environmental change.
Photo: chunichi.co.jp .
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