Are “Zombie Fish” Really Lurking in Lake Superior?
Something unusual is happening in the deepest parts of Lake Superior, where a species of fish has transformed into what scientists are describing as a “zombie fish.”
Real-World Equivalents to Zombies
Zombies trace their origins to 17th–18th century Haitian folklore, rooted in West African spiritual traditions and shaped by the harsh realities of slavery, where they were portrayed as mindless, enslaved laborers.
The idea of zombies entered Western pop culture in the early 20th century and was later reimagined as flesh-eating undead in the 1968 film Night of the Living Dead. Since then, numerous zombie films and shows, like the television series The Walking Dead, have popularized the concept. But is there anything in nature that actually resembles a zombie?
The closest thing to actual zombies are parasites and diseases that can alter a host’s behavior. In humans, Rabies is often considered the most similar to a “zombie virus” because it can trigger extreme aggression and spreads through saliva. In nature, the ant fungus takes control of insects’ behavior, while Toxoplasma gondii is known for manipulating its host’s instincts to aid its own survival and transmission.
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A fish found in the extreme depths of Lake Superior is being referred to by scientists as a “zombie fish.”
Lake Superior Discovery: The Truth About “Zombie Fish”
Scientists have been tracking changes in siscowet lake trout over the past decade, according to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s Facebook page. Normally fat, colorful, and healthy, these trout have grown thin and pale, leading to their recent nickname: “zombie fish.”
Siscowet lake trout inhabit depths of 250 to 1,000 feet in Lake Superior, yet scientists remain unsure why these fish are undergoing such dramatic changes. Researchers are investigating possible causes for their weight loss and fading coloration, including food shortages, disease, impacts from sea lampreys, and environmental contaminants.
You don’t need to worry about these trout turning you into a zombie, but it’s best to avoid eating any that look abnormal or resemble the so-called “zombie fish.”
👇BELOW: 5 Real Life Zombies; Animals That Live After Death👇
5 Real Life Zombies; Animals That Live After Death
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