We want to avoid “freezing to death,” but some animals “freeze to live.” The European crucian carp depend on that to survive the harsh winter on Northern European lakes.
Unlike hibernating animals that remain breathing, the crucian carp is one of the few vertebrates known to survive extended periods without oxygen, as they overwinter in ice-covered lakes of northern Europe. Every winter, the crucian carp freezes along with the pond it inhabits. The fish can survive in a state of suspended animation with a very low metabolism.
That’s why you must be extra careful when buying a frozen one, to avoid the situation that occurred with a Londoner who discovered the fish they had purchased was still alive in the freezer two days later. Scientists are still studying this phenomenon, trying to understand the biochemical processes that allow these fish to survive without oxygen and how they are able. This can help us understand how to help people that endure axonic brain injuries (due to lack of oxygen).
Nature has many incredible mechanisms for survival. The crucian carp is just one example of the amazing adaptations that have evolved over millions of years. Life is beautiful.
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