‘Monkeyface’ fish with taste for veg could feed the world
AN UNUSUAL, protein-packed fish could hold the key to saving the planet, scientists have suggested.
The vegetarian fish, which is known as the monkeyface prickleback, has been described as “the new white meat” and could help feed the world.
Living in the rocky waters off the west coast of America, the fish can grow to 3ft in length and prefers to lurk in reefs and tidal pools.
Weighing about 6lb, it has two small fins hanging like floppy ears near its head, and a dorsal fin down its back.
It can live on land for 37 hours because of its ability to breath above water as well as under. Despite its looks, it has become a delicacy on the menus of trendy Californian restaurants, where it costs about $15 per pound – around £11.65.
Prof Donovan German, of the University of California at Irvine, described the taste as “delicate and mild”.
The United Nations has warned that rising temperatures, extreme weather and land degradation due to climate change will wipe out crops and livestock but scientists think this fish, Cebidichthys violaceus, could be the answer.
The study, published in the Royal Society B, found that the monkeyface prickleback would be suitable for industrial aquaculture because it is efficient at surviving on vegetarian foods with low levels of a fatty substance called lipids.
A major issue with aquaculture is what to feed the fish being raised, so being able to give them vegetation would be better for the environment.