Ocean pout facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ocean pout |
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| Ocean pout at the Woods Hole Science Aquarium | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Zoarcidae
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| Genus: |
Zoarces
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| Species: |
Z. americanus
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| Binomial name | |
| Zoarces americanus |
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The ocean pout (Zoarces americanus) is a type of eelpout fish. It belongs to the family called Zoarcidae. You can find this fish in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. It lives off the coast of New England in the United States and eastern Canada.
This amazing fish has special proteins in its blood. These are called antifreeze proteins. They work like antifreeze in a car, stopping the blood from freezing. This allows the ocean pout to live in very cold water, even when it's almost freezing!
Ocean Pout and Science
Scientists have studied the ocean pout for its special abilities. They have learned how its body makes antifreeze proteins. This knowledge can be used in different ways.
Using Ocean Pout Genes
Scientists have taken parts of the ocean pout's genes. Genes are like instruction manuals for living things. They have put these genes into Atlantic salmon. The part of the ocean pout gene that makes antifreeze protein helps. It is used with a growth hormone gene from another fish, the Chinook salmon.
This combination makes the salmon grow much faster. These special salmon can reach their full size in less time. This means they can be ready for harvest sooner.
Some people worry about these genetically changed salmon. They are concerned if these salmon might escape into the wild. They fear it could affect wild salmon populations. A company called AquaBounty Technologies has tried to solve this worry. They plan to sell only female salmon that cannot have babies. This means they cannot mix with wild salmon.
By late 2017, some of these salmon were sold in Canada. Decisions about selling them in the United States were still being made. Some stores and restaurants in the U.S. said they would not sell this fish. They had concerns about its safety for people to eat. However, scientific studies have not shown any risks.
Ocean Pout Proteins in Ice Cream
In June 2006, a company called Unilever announced something interesting. They wanted to use genetically modified yeast. This yeast would grow antifreeze proteins from the ocean pout.
These proteins could then be taken from the yeast. They could be used to make ice cream better. These special proteins help stop ice crystals from forming in ice cream. This means ice cream could have less cream and fewer calories. It would still stay smooth and creamy.
See also
In Spanish: Zoarces americanus para niños
