Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Transmissible Cancer Found in Freshwater Fish
Scientists have found a rare type of cancer in brown bullhead catfish that can spread from one fish to another.
This is the first time such a transmissible cancer has been found in freshwater fish.
The cancer, a type of melanoma, was discovered in Lake Memphremagog, which is in both the US and Canada.
The study was published in the journal Nature.
This discovery is important because it changes how scientists understand how cancer can spread.
It might also help in finding new ways to treat cancer in the future.
Scientists discovered the first transmissible cancer in freshwater fish.
The cancer affects brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog.
The cancer cells move from one fish to another.
The study was published in the journal Nature.
This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating cancer.
- Who
- Researchers studying brown bullhead catfish
- What
- Discovery of transmissible cancer in freshwater fish
- When
- Recently published in Nature
- Where
- Lake Memphremagog, spanning Vermont, US and Quebec, Canada
- Why
- Cancer cells are moving from one fish to another
Scientific Community
General Public
Impact of Discovery
Scientific Community
This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating cancer.
General Public
The general public may find this information alarming and confusing.
- Species Affected
- Brown bullhead catfish
- Location
- Lake Memphremagog (Vermont, US and Quebec, Canada)
- Type of Cancer
- Melanoma
- Transmission Method
- Cancer cells moving between fish
- Study Publication
- Nature