Fish found subsisting in the Antarctic's frigid waters apparently possess a special protein that acts like antifreeze in cars. This protein prevents ice crystals from building-up in a manner somewhat similar to antifreeze.

Researchers have also discovered that warmer water temperatures aren't a favorable environment for these fish. The special protein prevents ice crystals from accumulating but if exposed to warm waters, "superheats" the ice crystals. 

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The research team discovered the antifreeze protein inherent in Antarctic notothenioid fish actually prevents internal ice crystals from melting, making the protein anti-melt as well, said Paul Cziko, co-author of the study, who's from the University of Oregon.

In addition, Arthur DeVries from the University of Illinois, co-author of the study and the one who discovered the antifreeeze protein in fish in the 1960s, expected the proteins would melt as the Antarctic waters transition into summer. Unfortunately, evolution prevented the protein from melting the ice crystals.

Cziko says ice accumulates and concentrates in the fishes' spleen in a process that involves cleansing the ice from the fishes' circulation. This is a clue on how these notothenioids or subpolar species continue to populate the Antarctic ocean.

This shows how notothenioids adapted and evolved. It also revealed trade-offs when it comes to the evolutionary process. The effects of adaptation can promote survivalism and can backwards be harmful, as well.

This study was published in the journal, Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences.

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