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Transparent fish turn rainbow with white light - find out why!

 

Transparent fish turn rainbow with white light -   find out why!

        
           The ghost catfish (several shown) becomes iridescent when white light passes through its mostly transparent body.

Introduction -

Have you ever heard of a transparent fish that turns rainbow with just white light? It sounds like a magical phenomenon, and now we have the answer as to why this happens! A recent study has uncovered the cause of this incredible display, and it’s something you won’t want to miss. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind why these transparent fish turn rainbow with white light. Keep reading to find out more about this fascinating natural phenomenon!


What makes these fish transparent?

Transparent fish are not made of regular glass or plastic like a lot of other transparent objects. These fish are special because they are able to use a unique cellular structure and an optically clear gel-like substance called the vitreous body. This gel-like substance is filled with proteins and collagen fibers, which act as a scaffold that gives the fish its transparency. Without this structure, the fish would just be opaque. The vitreous body also helps the fish maintain its shape, allowing it to stay rigid even when swimming in water. This structure also works to block out UV radiation, helping to protect the delicate organs and tissue inside the fish's body.


How does white light affect them?

One of the more amazing features of transparent fish is their ability to turn rainbow when exposed to white light. This phenomenon is called iridophores, and it’s a way for the fish to communicate with other members of its species.

The secret to this transformation lies in the tiny pockets of pigment found in the scales of the transparent fish. When the fish is exposed to white light, those pigments absorb the light’s energy and release it as a spectrum of colors that appear to be moving and shifting on the fish’s body. 

This color-changing behavior isn’t just for show. Transparent fish use their changing colors to communicate with one another, sending messages about their health, gender, or even their emotions. The range of colors produced is thought to help other members of the species identify each other.

The science behind this color-changing behavior is fascinating, and it’s been studied by biologists for years. In essence, it all comes down to the fish’s ability to absorb and emit light at different frequencies in order to create a range of colors. By combining pigments with a reflective layer of cells, the fish is able to produce a unique visual effect that is unmistakable.


The science behind it

Transparent fish, like the glass catfish and juvenile fish of many species, have a unique trait that sets them apart from other fish - they are transparent. This is due to a combination of factors, including the lack of pigment in their skin, the arrangement of collagen fibers, and the presence of refractive platelets in the skin. 

This transparency allows for light to pass through their bodies, but what happens when white light hits them? White light is composed of different colors - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. When these colors hit the transparent fish, they scatter off the fish’s cells and create a rainbow-like effect. 

This phenomenon has been studied by scientists to further understand how light affects these fish. What they found is that this colorful effect only happens when the fish are exposed to short-wavelength light, like that from fluorescent or LED lighting. Longer-wavelength light, like that from sunlight, does not produce the same effect. 

This means that when it comes to using white light to observe transparent fish, shorter-wavelength light sources are best. This understanding of the science behind why these fish turn rainbow when exposed to white light could help researchers better understand and monitor the behavior of these fish.


What does this mean for the future?

The discovery of the ability of these transparent fish to turn rainbow with white light is a fascinating and potentially groundbreaking development. It could lead to the development of new types of materials and technologies that may be useful for a variety of applications. For instance, this type of material could be used to create color-changing clothing, home decor, or even toys. It could also lead to more efficient and effective lighting solutions. In addition, the development of this technology could potentially lead to breakthroughs in medical research and treatment, allowing doctors to better monitor the health of their patients. The possibilities for what this type of technology could do in the future are truly exciting.

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