Scientists have found a tiny, coral reef fish species that can capture its prey with its fangs using a heroin-like venom. Researchers say that this unique venom can help in the development of painkillers for humans.
The fang blenny uses a fact-acting, venom which is considered as a very unique chemical. This small fish species also thrives across the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. "We never saw venom that can act this way, making this a novel discovery," Bryan Fry from the University of Queensland said.
It is rare for fish species to use venom to disable prey, rivals or other predators. However, the fang blenny's venom acts like heroin or morphine, so instead of causing pain, the victim becomes slower and dizzy, making it disoriented and less of a threat.
With this advantage, the tiny fang blenny can escape from potential predators or even get first dibs on a great spot across the coral reef. The small striped fish can grow for up to 10 centimeters only. They are also known as poison fang blennies or saber tooth blennies. This tropical species' venom can only impair victims and is not particularly deadly, as the effects fade away in a few hours.
During the study, researchers obtained a CT scan of the fang blenny, revealing hidden venom glands that are linked to huge fang like teeth in the lower jaw, hidden within its lips. Fry added that their fangs are certainly big for their body size.
Reseachers also say that the opioid peptide content of the venom is really small which means that this will be safe for creating a synthetic version that can be absorbed instantly by the body. Fry added that surprisingly, these peptides are identical to the human body's natural painkiller.
The fang blenny fish mostly thrive on Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, however, it is also one of the greatly affected regions of coral bleaching. "We should be able to protect our marine ecosystems like the reef since the next groundbreaking painkiller drug can potentially be found here and save human lives," Fry said.
This new study was published in the journal Current Biology.