Fish cancer gene linked to pigment pattern that attracts mates

Monday, August 18, 2008 - 16:35 in Biology & Nature

Though skin cancer is deadly to male fish, it also has one perk: The black melanoma splotches arise from attractive natural markings that lure female mates. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week shows that the melanoma gene can be conserved in swordtail fish because of its beneficial role in sexual selection.

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