Scientists have recently discovered a gender-swapped fish along the coast of Southern California, USA. This marks the first instance of a “gender-swapping fish” found in saltwater.
The phenomenon of fish “changing genders” is not new, but previous discoveries have primarily involved freshwater species. Researchers are concerned that the cause of this gender change may be linked to wastewater discharged into the Southern California coastal waters, which contains chemicals that affect the reproductive systems of various animal species.
Last year, U.S. federal scientists reported finding male fish with eggs in the Potomac River, Maryland. The underlying causes could be similar to those observed in this recent discovery.
