![]() ![]() The catfish sensors worked best in natural seawater with a pH of 8.1 or 8.2, but that sensitivity fell dramatically when the water became more acidic, with pH dipping below 8.0. ![]() Any possibility that might improve the survivability of the species appears to have evolved, and improving chances at eating is one of these." ![]() "A marine fish that lives in pretty constant-pH seawater has evolved an exquisitely sensitive pH meter, as good as a commercial pH meter," Caprio told Live Science.Īlthough this is the first time scientists have seen fish with such acidity sensors, "I'm sure that nature didn't build this just for one species," Caprio said. The fish were always highly active and in search mode for food when they found the pockets of acidity. In pitch-black water, Caprio and his colleagues used infrared cameras to confirm that the catfish could locate slight drops in pH even when no worms were present. The researchers found the fish spent far more time near the worms than anywhere else in the aquariums. The worms release tiny amounts of carbon dioxide and atomic hydrogen as they respire or "breathe." This slightly decreases the pH of the water - that is, the water becomes more acidic. ![]() To learn more, the researchers placed the catfish in tanks with a polychaete worm, the favorite meal of the fishes, hidden in the environment. (Image credit: Image courtesy of the Kagoshima Aquarium)Īs the researchers investigated these Japanese sea catfish, the scientists noticed the fish's barbels or "whiskers" were remarkably sensitive to changes in ambient carbon dioxide and atomic hydrogen. Researchers have found that Japanese sea catfish, like this one, have evolved sensors on their whiskers that can detect slight changes in water acidity to help the fish find prey in the dark. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |