What A Catch! Homer Angler Lands Colorful Bottomfish

The photo above shows a caught bottom fish with unlikely blue colors. Here’s more from Alaska’s News Source:

A catch that appears out of a Dr. Seuss or coloring book, the blue flesh of this rock greenling — which is also seen in lingcod — is caused by a green bile pigment called Biliverdin, according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Donald Arthur.

While scientists know where the blue pigment comes from, they are still unsure why fish produce it — it could be a result of UV radiation, diet or genetics, Arthur said.

Since Aug. 30, Chmeleck’s post has been shared more than 3,500 times with hundreds of commenters left in awe.

“I had no idea anything like that was going to happen … it’s been absolutely insane,” Chmeleck said of the internet’s response. “People are going crazy, so, so many people are like, ‘I’ve never seen anything like that.’ I think there is actually 17 different countries that have seen the post so far.”