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Fish’s Light Absorbing Skin Makes it Virtually Invisible

By Warren Feng


As of July of 2020, at the Smithsonian Institute of Washington D.C., a new research study has been published: an investigation on an ultra-black fish, with an extraordinary ability. 

Karen Osborn, a marine scientist investigating the fish, explained that she was photographing fish in the deep ocean, which started the studying of the species. With some extensive research, including the examination of tissue samples, it has been proven that a pigment in the fish’s skin has allowed it to absorb light. The fish reflect very little of the light shone down upon them.

This fish’s ability has also been very useful to both themselves and humans. The ultra-black fish can make itself invisible in the depths of the ocean, which allows it to hide from predators, especially bioluminescent fish. On top of this, the fish have also been a beneficial study for humans, who can now use ultra-black material in items such as telescopes and cameras. This is useful to people, as they now can prevent extra light from entering the lens.


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