August 26, 2015

Did you know that the opah or moonfish can have a body temperature above its surroundings? This little guy can warm his body by rapidly flapping his fins. The rapid flapping causes the blood returning from its extremities to remain warm and so keeping the core warm. Because of this counter current exchange, the fish is able to raise its metabolic rate and pursue prey. This is a bit usual because other deep sea fish would usually move slowly to conserve energy.