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Science 14 April 1972:
Vol. 176. no. 4031, pp. 184 - 186
DOI: 10.1126/science.176.4031.184
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Articles

Freezing Resistance in Polar Fishes

Alan R. Hargens 1

1 Physiological Research Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92037

Arctic and antarctic fishes, living in contact with sea ice at -1.9°C, have plasma equilibrium freezing points near -1.2°C which are dependent on salt concentrations. These supercooled fishes have plasma protein concentrations much higher than other polar animals have, and the proteins impede ice propagation at temperatures down to -2°C. Plasma protein concentration increases as environmental water temperature decreases.


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