Opah (Moonfish)
About the Opah (Moonfish)
The only fully warm-blooded fish discovered. In 2015, scientists confirmed they maintain their entire body temperature above the surrounding water, unlike other partial endotherms like tuna. Their circular body can weigh 270 kg. They are vividly colored with silver, blue, and red. They flap their pectoral fins to swim. They have specialized blood vessels that retain heat. Their warm muscles allow faster swimming and better vision in cold deep water. They are found worldwide at 50-400 meters. They are solitary. They are also called moonfish. Their genome revealed unique adaptations for whole-body endothermy.
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