Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 05/01/2011 - 10:41
Forums
Biology of Antarctic Fishes

Hi Ms Dell! Here are my questions:

Do white-blooded fish bleed white blood?

Are there any distinct characteristics that distinguish white-blooded fish from red-blooded fish?

And, have you noticed any physical changes in your body while living upside-down?

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 13:12

Paula Dell

Hi Jaylon,Nice to hear from you! Great questions. Yes, the white blooded fishes have no red blood cells, no hemoglobin so they bleed whitish blood. I'll post a picture of it on my blog when we get some icefishes and take some of their blood for testing. Their hearts and muscles are white too. The hemoglobin is what makes our muscles red. Those distinguish them. They cannot store oxygen without hemoglobin. They use the oxygen immediately. How they survive without hemoglobin and utilize the oxygen is part of what we are studying. And though I am at the "bottom" of the earth, I'm not living upside down. It's all relative. When I look out on the horizon it is a vast expanse just like anywhere else on earth. But there is a lot less sunlight as we head into winter. Right now the sun rises around 8:30 am and sets around 4 pm. (Say hi to your mom)
Ms. Dell

Tue, 05/03/2011 - 14:29

Anonymous

Hi Ms. Dell,My mom says hello and she's enjoying your journal. I was being funny about living upside down. I guess I meant to ask do you notice any physical differences with living in the Antarctic vs Chicago, like in breathing?
Jaylon

Wed, 05/04/2011 - 11:53

Paula Dell

Hi Jaylon,Glad to hear you were joking. I kinda figured that but wasn't sure. I'm at sea level so lack of oxygen isn't an issue here like it can be at the South Pole. The weather has been much nicer than I thought it would be. Warmer, sunnier, though the days are getting shorter and shorter every day. The main difference is that you have to dress very warmly and smartly. I have been supplied with the warmest gear I've ever worn so that's great. Glad you guys are liking the journals!!
Ms. Dell