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
These Body Parts Were Discovered In The Last 10 Years!
Get to know about newly discovered human body parts that scientists have found in recent years in this video.
Can You Identify Any of These 14 Mysterious Objects?
Here's a collection of pictures of mysterious and weird objects and artifacts that people found but can't identify.
How Do Wild Animals Survive Winter Without Shelter?
Learn all the genius biological mechanisms animals use to survive winter in the wild - without central heating or warm socks.
Hammerhead Sharks - Eevolution's Strangest Turn
Around 20 million years ago evolution introduced hammerhead sharks. Why did evolution make such a surprising turn and what makes these sharks so uniqe?
New Study: Are Dogs Even More Intelligent than We Thought?
New study sheds more light on canine intelligence, making some fascinating discoveries.
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...
15 Flowers that Smell So Good, Your Garden Must Have Them
Your ultimate guide to selecting flowers, plants and herbs for an aromatic outdoor space.
In Pictures – Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022
Check out the breathtaking winners of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022.
Feast Your Eyes: 50 Stunning Sceneries From 50 US States!
The US is full of magnificent places, in each and every state...
This Incredible Animal Video Had Millions Talking About It!
From the moment these baby iguanas hatch, they are faced with a life or death situation. Can they survive the snake gauntlet?
These Flowers Capture a Starry Night On Their Petals
These wonderful flowers appear to have the night sky captured in their very petals. View some stunning photos of them and learn more about them.
WATCH: Crows Are a Lot Smarter Than You Imagine
I never thought birds could be this intelligent...
This Post Will Clear Up Any Misconceptions About Dogs
There are numerous misconceptions concerning the best ways that we should interact with dogs. This post will definitely clear everything up.
These Tiny Creatures Made Me Smile All Day Long
Animals come in many shapes and sizes. But they all start at one size - small! One can hardly look at a baby animal without feeling a sense of kinship, a desire to protect, and uncontorllable urge to say: "awwww".
30 Reasons Owls are Beautiful...
Owls have beautiful eyes, they are great hunters and are highly intelligent. Here are 30 owls photos that prove they are stunning and elegant creatures.
In Pictures - International Garden Photographer of the Year
Take a look at the stunning nature photographs from the International Garden Photographer of the Year.
Have You Seen These Rare and Stunning Albino Animals?
Albino animals are extremely rare to be found. Here is a a look at some of the most stunning albino animals you would have ever seen.
11 Adorable Polar Animals that Will Warm Your Heart
Adorable animals of the north and south poles
Nine Deceptive Animals for Whom Every Day Is Halloween
Natures most amazing shapeshifters and masters of disguise
A Dolphin Asks a Human for Help!
We have seen animal rescue, but rarely have we seen the animal search for humans to save it!
15 Things You Never Knew About the Panda Bear
When you hear about pandas, you think big, cute and cuddly, but there is much you might not know about these gentle giants...
Together, These Animals Create Breathtaking Scenes
When people stand together, they become strong! When animals come together, the results are magical!
Ever Seen Flowers as Gorgeous as These?
Nature really does create some extraordinary, colorful flowers. Check out a wide selection of them here!
New From Nature: 11 New Animal Species Discovered in 2022
Today, we will acquaint you with 2022's 11 newly discovered species of animals and delve into the reasoning behind their distinctive names.
Say Hello to the Tiniest Bird You'll Ever See!
How small is the tiniest bird ever recorded? Watch this video and find out!
Britain's Wildlife Is Stunning & These Photos Prove It
The British Wildlife Photography Awards has just announced the 2016 winners of their annual competition. Take a look.
West Canada is Wild, Strong and Ever So Pretty
The wilds of West Canada are some of the most jaw dropping natural scenes in all the world we live on.
These Horses All Have the Most Amazing Hair!
These horse breeds all have an amazing hair! Enjoy getting to know some of the world's most beautiful horse breeds, along with some facts.
7 Fascinating Natural Phenomena Science Can’t Explain
From the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Sailing Stones in CA, this video will introduce you to 7 natural phenomena science isn't fully able to explain.
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Flower to See Its Full Beauty
These interactive photos of flowers will allow you to see them in video with a click.
The Flowers & Blossoms of Fruit Trees Are Achingly Pretty
There are few things in this world that are quite as magical as a flowering or blossoming fruit tree. Take a look at 15 stunning images of fruit tree flowers.
There are So Many Reasons for Us to Love Penguins
Penguins are as beautiful as they are fascinating. Here is all you need to know about these wonderful birds...
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?
The Internet's Burning Questions About Biology, Answered
Watch biologist Thor Hanson answer some fascinating questions about biology in this video.
The Worst Earthquakes in History - a Nightmare Turned Real
On this list, we feature 9 of the most devastating and deadly earthquakes in history - in rising order according to the Richter scale.
Discover the World of Powerful Big Cat Hybrids
There are types of big cats you've never heard about, and they're big. beautiful and powerful! Below are photos along some information about these big cat hybrids.
The Animal Kingdom Now Has the Photographer it Deserves
Sergey Polyushko could be one of the world's finest animal photographers in history. Just look at these 17 fantastic snaps.
Far, Far Away, There's a Land Where Pandas Roam Free...
Giant pandas are highly endangered, however there's a beautiful sanctuary in China devoted to ensuring that population numbers are boosted. See the photos.
These X-ray Photos of Pregnant Animals Will Intrigue You
A collection of X-rays taken of pregnant animals.
Roses Are Even More Beautiful After Reading These 10 Facts
The rose evokes sentiments of love, romance and relationships, but there are some things about them that I never even imagined. Read these impressive rose facts
These Serpents are Stunning, but Have a Deadly Bite...
In all the fear, there is always beauty, especially for these 20 species of venomous snakes, that add both venom and color to the world.
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.
Your Ultimate Guide to All Breeds of Cat!
From Balinese to a Scottish Fold - there are many breeds of cats, and you'll find them all here!
Ever Wondered How Sperm Whales Sleep? Wonder No More!
Have you ever wondered how sperm whales sleep before? Wonder no more, because the phenomenon has finally been captured on camera. Take a look.
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.