Seasick fish on space mission

A GERMAN scientist has discovered that fish seem to suffer seasickness.

Stuttgart zoologist Dr Reinhold Hilbig studied the effects of weightlessness in water as part of research into how humans are affected in space.

Forty-nine fish in an aquarium were put in a plane that went into a steep dive, simulating the loss of gravity astronauts encounter in space. He said eight of the fish began turning in circles.

"They lost their balance, behaving like humans who get seasick. They lost their orientation, became confused and looked as if they were about to vomit.

"It would seem the loss of eye contact with water movement plays a large part in their disorientation," said Dr Hilbig.

The fish were killed and their brains examined.