The northern sea robin uses its legs to find food in the seabed
Anik Grearson
An intriguing fish dwelling at the base of the Atlantic Ocean has developed legs – not merely for walking, but as a unique sensory organ akin to a tongue, aiding in the discovery of prey hidden in the seabed.
The Northern sea robin (Prionotus carolinus) boasts three legs on either side of its body, emerging from the base of its pectoral fins. These legs originate from structures within the pectoral fins known as fin rays.
During an expedition to Woods Hole, Massachusetts, Nicholas Bellono from Harvard University, alongside his colleagues, encountered tales of the sea robins’ hunting prowess and decided to transport live specimens back to their laboratory.
Curious to test the fish’s ability to locate prey, Bellono expressed surprise at their proficiency, unearthing capsules filled with mussel extract and single amino acids. However, upon acquiring a different species unintentionally, namely the striped sea robin (Prionotus evolans), the team realized the distinctiveness in their walking abilities versus sensing buried prey.
By examining the genetic factors propelling the evolution of the sea robin’s distinctive legs, they identified the influence of an ancient regulatory gene called tbx3a. This revelation showcases the remarkable process of creating new body parts by modifying existing, shared tools across diverse species.
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