Opah (Lampris guttatus): First Known Warm-Blooded Fish Species
A team of researchers led by Dr Nicholas Wegner of NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center has discovered a whole-body form of endothermy in a deep-water fish, the opah ( Lampris guttatus ) , that produces heat through the flapping of wing-like fins and minimizes heat loss through a series of counter-current heat exchangers within its gills. Unlike other fish, opah distribute warmed blood throughout the body, including to the heart, enhancing physiological performance while foraging in the cold waters.
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I though that Bad Fish was the first...How disappointing.
Actually a very interesting article Larry. We used to see the Opah in Hawaii quite often when diving.
Howneat to see them in the wild;such a cool (er....warm....) fish!
Hey, this is turning into an actual investigative report!
Tell us Mr. badfish, where does your moniker originate?
Alright, another successful journalistic endeavor...thanks badfish!
and it is such a beauty too!