H. salminicola is quite a common parasite that infects the muscle tissue of salmon, reproducing in the muscle tissues of the fish with unbelievably high speed and causing tapioca disease (also known as milky flesh) in fish. These are white cysts in the salmon's flesh, which do appear quite unsightly but are generally harmless to both humans that eat the fish and the salmon itself.
Since the animal resides within the flesh of the fish, and like many parasites, it needs to reproduce rapidly, h. salminicola is quite a simple organism that doesn’t have a nervous system, muscles, or a digestive tract. The only occasion the animal appears to exhibit any complexity is when it’s in the spore stage, seeking to attach to its host. During this stage of development, the animal looks similar to a human sperm cell with two “alien eyes” that are actually stinger cells that help the animal attach itself to the host.
The DNA of h. salminicola has been sequenced in a recent study at Tel Aviv University, in which researchers tried to understand how the parasite can possibly survive in an oxygen-free environment. What they found mystified them, as the animal turned out to be so simple, in fact, that it appears to have shed an ability previously believed essential for animals - cellular respiration.
The process of cellular respiration is when oxygen is used by the cell to generate power to sustain itself. Cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria, a unique organelle that has its own DNA. H. salminicola appears to lack this entire system and mitochondrial DNA altogether. Hence, it is the first-ever animal species that doesn't require oxygen to survive.
Image Source: TOI/ YouTube
The scientists compared the DNA of h. salminicola with that of similar organisms to make sure their findings weren't a mistake, and the results turned out to be genuine. All of the close relatives of the parasite from the Myxozoa group had mitochondrial DNA. The researchers further point out that the genome of the animal suggests that it once was capable of respiration, but gradually lost the ability in an attempt to simplify its structure and be able to survive and multiply in its host very fast.
This is a great example of a somewhat counterintuitive evolutionary adaptation where the structure of a once more complex animal simplifies to its core features in order to suit its surroundings. As one of the authors, Dorothée Huchon, mentioned in an interview with LiveScience, "Here, we see an organism that goes completely the opposite way. They have evolved to be almost unicellular."
As of now, the way h. salminicola actually gets energy to sustain itself remains a scientific mystery. The researchers believe that the animal may be retrieving energy directly from the host's surrounding cells similarly to other anaerobic bacteria, but they can't confirm this theory as of now. Whatever the case may be, we can confidently say that the very existence of this microscopic animal is unique and absolutely mystifying.
Bonus! Video About h. salminicola
Beautiful Nature: The Tadpole Migration
This is the story of one of the greatest migrations, while also being one of the tiniest ones...
Scientists Have Found a 1.5-Million-Strong Penguin Colony
It's not a regular occurrence for a 1.5-million strong penguin colony to be discovered, but that's exactly what happened in Antarctica...
Would You Go Into Hibernation if You Could?
What can we learn and earn if we humans learn to hibernate one day?
The MOST Fascinating Facts About Colors I’ve Ever Heard!
Colors are ubiquitous, and yet we know surprisingly little about them. Let's fix that by learning these 15 fascinating facts about color
6 Newly Discovered and Incredible Animal Abilities
Recent studies reveal animals possess even more astonishing abilities than we could ever imagine, like telling time and showing empathy!
13 Astonishing Things You Never Thought You'd See
Here are 13 photos of rare phenomena you never thought you'd see!
16 Majestic Bird Photos That Should Be Framed
The winners of the Bird Photographer of the Year 2022 were recently announced. Let’s check out the best winning images.
Italian Wildlife Should be Talked About a Lot More!
Join us on a journey to Italy’s amazing wildlife.
Fly Through the Most Royally Stunning Castles of Europe!
I love this wonderful drone footage of the great castles and palaces of old Europe so much I just had to share it with you. It's a true life fairytale.
Hummingbirds Come in the Most Beautiful Rainbow Colors!
There are hundreds of gorgeous species of hummingbirds. Have you spotted any of these near you?
Useless Tusks and Dolphin-Lizards: Oddest Extinct Animals
Strange and unbelievable prehistoric animals. Get familiar with these magnificent ancient dinosaurs that used to roam the planet with their bizarre but fascinating looks.
You May Learn Some New Dance Moves Thanks to These Birds
Watch this hilarious, yet sweet compilation of bird mating dances.
9 Fragrant Roses to Fill Your Garden with Pleasing Aromas
Check out this list of some intensely aromatic roses that will flood your garden area with delightful smells.
Visiting the Tallest Moutain in NZ: Mount Cook Adventure!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the splendor of this unique destination.
21 Gorgeous Reasons Nature Needs No Photoshop
You'll be impressed by 21 nature pictures that prove the world is beautiful the way it is if you only know where to look.
Nature's Brilliant Blues Will Brighten Your Day
We live on the 'blue planet', underneath a blue sky, but instances of blue elsewhere is actually quite rare. Here are some of the most beautiful examples.
25 Cute and Curious Animals Just Discovering the Snow
25 adorable animals are experiencing the simple pleasures of playing outside in the snow for the very first time.
These Cute Bat Photos Will Change Your Perception of Them!
These adorable photos of bats will change your perception of them forever!
The Following Deadly Beasts Are Not Man's Best Friends...
These 20 animals are responsible for killing the most humans each years. Some of these will definitely surprise you, have a look.
15 Charming Close-Ups of Cold-Blooded Creatures
You've never seen lizards, snakes, or frogs like this before.
Behold the Gaur: The Largest Wild Cow on Earth
Let’s get up close and personal with the mighty Indian gaur, known as the world’s biggest wild cow.
15 Wonderful Plants to Grow in Every Room in Your Home
We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re already growing plants in your home, but the question is, are you placing them correctly?
Watch this Colorful Caterpillar Turn into a Stunning Moth!
Watch as this gorgeous caterpillar goes through the various stages of growth, to eventually emerge as a beautiful puss moth.
Learn the True Art Behind the Bonsai Tree
Ryan Neil is an expert in the art of shaping Bonsai Trees, and will take you on a journey into yourself through nature!
A Most Beautiful Exploration of the Ocean Floor
Dive far below the ocean, all the way to its bottom below the great frozen continent of Antarctica.
In Pictures: 17 Award-Winning Nature & Wildlife Shots
Check out the best winning images and finalists from the Big Picture Natural World Photography Contest.
How Well Do You Know Canada's 9 Wildest Animals?
Canada is home to some fascinating animals. Some are cuddly, some of dangerous, but all hold pride of place in the natural wonderland of Canada.
Beautiful! This Nimble Bird is a Magical Sight to Watch
Both strong and beautiful the hummingbird is a magical sight to watch. Look through this beautiful tribute to the nimble bird.
Marvel at 14 of the Tallest Mountains in the World
There are fourteen mountains in the world that stand over 8000 meters (26,250 feet) tall. Known collectively as the 8000ers, these skyscraping peaks are very literally the top of the world.
Remarkable Winners of the Insect Week Photography 2023
Check out the amazing winning shots from the Insect Week Photography Competition.
Extreme Alternative Agriculture: Growing Basil Underwater
Join us on a swim to Nemo’s Garden, a hydroponic garden at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea.
18 Breathtaking Photos Depict Nature as Heaven on Earth
These photos enable us to appreciate the beauty in mother nature and all that she has to offer.
This is One of the Most Fascinating Natural Phenomenon
Get ready to meet a whole lot of grunion fish, who are most famous for their spectacular land mating ritual.
Photographer Captures the Ethereal Beauty of the Sea World
Check out some truly stunning photographs of the animals of the sea world by noted photographer Greg Lecoeur.
These Siberian Cats Are Truly Stunning!
Alla Lebedeva has turned her homestead into a "Catland" and she has now gone viral thanks to some incredible photographs of her glorious Siberian cats.
This Woman Takes Incredible Wildlife Pics With Hidden Cams
A woman has set up a secret camera in her backyard bird feeder and ends up capturing the most interesting wildlife photos.
Jaw-Dropping Photos: The Wonderful Lives of Ladybugs
Here are some wonderful photos of ladybugs in their natural habitats. I always feel a childish wonder and thrill when can coax one onto my hand.
Australia Is Home to Some of the World’s Cutest Animals
Australia is home to most living marsupials, a family of mammals unlike any other on earth.
5 Ancient Forests and What You Can Find There
This list contains 5 of the world’s most ancient forests that stood here far longer than us, their must-see spots and how to get there
The Most Adorable Otter Ever Will Teach You About Otters
This little orphaned river baby otter is so cute, you'll never want to stop watching it. But if you do, you'll learn all about otters while accompanying on his little day. Are you ready to learn about otters?
Breathtaking! Nature Has Never Looked This Beautiful!
Check out some of the finest photos from National Geographic's 2017 'Nature Photographer of the Year' awards.
The Most Incredible Animal Friendships!
in reality, animals can sometimes remind us of childhood stories and tv programs - sometimes the unlikely friendships are indeed made by animals, and here's the proof:
HEARTWARMING: Animals Embracing Newfound Freedom
In this touching compilation video of animals tasting freedom for the first time wwill melt your heart.
16 Award-Winning Shots That’ll Take Your Breath Away
The 2020 winners of the nature photography competition BigPicture have been announced, and they are astounding!
The Top 10 Animal World Record Holders Are Totally Awesome
From a bird doing slam dunks to a dog freely skateboarding through a human tunnel, here are the top ten animal Guinness World Record holders!