Homer, Alaska - A fisherman in Homer, Alaska has recently made a fascinating discovery regarding a species of fish that changes color when cooked. Joe Chmeleck, owner of The Lodge at Otter Cove, shared his findings on Facebook and Instagram, documenting his catch of a rock greenling with vibrant orange speckles and natural blue flesh.

Chmeleck took to social media on August 28th to share his excitement, writing, "Went out fishing today and caught a rock greenling. It turns white when you cook it. Mother nature is incredible." He even posted a follow-up video on Facebook, showcasing the fully-skinned blue fish fillets changing color as they were pan-fried in oil.

The stunning photos and videos quickly caught the attention of social media users, with many expressing their surprise and awe at the unique fish species. One Facebook user commented, "What an incredible, beautiful-looking fish," while an Instagram user wrote, "That's pretty crazy. I've never seen anything like that." Another Facebook user added, "That's amazing! I had no idea such a fish existed."

Despite the fascination surrounding this fish, its rarity and potential endangerment have researchers working to save the species from extinction. Rock greenlings, scientifically known as Hexagrammos lagocephalus, are ray-finned marine fish typically found along the northern Pacific Coast, ranging from the Point Conception State Marine Reserve in California to the Bering Sea in Alaska, according to government wildlife records.

This particular species of fish possesses dark scales with a mottled pattern, allowing them to blend in with their rocky environments. However, the most remarkable feature of rock greenlings is their blue or blue-green mouths and flesh, a biological phenomenon yet to be fully understood by scientists. It is believed that the fish produce biliverdin, a green bile, which results in the blue-green pigmentation in their tissue.

In terms of their diet, rock greenlings feed on sea worms, crustaceans, and small fishes. They can grow up to 24 inches in length and weigh up to 1.83 pounds, as stated by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has been unable to provide consumption advice on rock greenlings due to insufficient data on the species' mercury levels.

Chmeleck described the taste of the rock greenling he caught as similar to trout, providing an intriguing alternative for seafood enthusiasts. His social media posts about the fish have gained significant attention, garnering over 1,000 reactions, 600 comments, and 3,700 shares on Facebook and Instagram combined.

The discovery of this unique species of fish has captivated people around the world, shedding light on the wonders of nature and prompting further interest in marine biodiversity. For more lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews/lifestyle.