Explain why some fish can breathe out of water.

In short (click here for detailed version)

Some fish, such as climbing fish, are able to breathe out of water thanks to their ability to absorb oxygen from the air through their skin, buccal mucosa, and swim bladder.

Explain why some fish can breathe out of water.
In detail, for those interested!

Fish capable of breathing out of water

Some fish are able to breathe out of water thanks to unique anatomical and physiological adaptations. These fish possess special organs that allow them to absorb oxygen from the air.

Fish capable of breathing out of water generally have a well-developed swim bladder that serves as an accessory lung. This bladder is in contact with the fish's circulatory system, which facilitates gas exchange. Some fish, such as catfish, can even breathe atmospheric air in addition to the oxygen dissolved in the water.

Fish capable of breathing out of water are often found in environments where the dissolved oxygen in the water is limited, such as shallow ponds or stagnant waters. Their ability to breathe air allows them to survive in conditions where other fish could not.

These fish have evolved to take advantage of this unique ability, allowing them to explore diverse habitats and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Anatomical and physiological adaptations

Fish capable of breathing out of water have different anatomical and physiological adaptations that allow them to survive in changing environments. One of the main adaptations is the presence of well-developed and efficient gills, which allow them to extract the necessary oxygen from the water. Some fish, like catfish, also have an accessory respiratory organ called a leodonte, located in their oral cavity, which allows them to breathe atmospheric air.

Furthermore, some fish, like archerfish, are able to shoot jets of water from their mouths to capture prey, but can also use this ability to inhale air at the surface. These fish have a well-developed swim bladder that acts as a primitive lung, allowing them to breathe air for short periods of time.

Other anatomical and physiological adaptations include the presence of specialized mucous membranes in the respiratory pathways to prevent dehydration, as well as modifications to the skin to facilitate gas exchange. These adaptations allow some fish to survive in conditions where dissolved oxygen in the water is limited, or when they are out of water for short periods of time.

Use of atmospheric air

Some fish can absorb oxygen from atmospheric air through special organs called accessory or labyrinthine organs. These organs are often formed of highly vascularized membranes that allow fish to perform gas exchanges with the air. This ability is particularly important in environments where the oxygen content of the water is low, such as shallow areas or stagnant waters. Fish that use atmospheric air as a source of oxygen have developed this adaptation to survive in difficult environmental conditions.

Specific cases of amphibious fish

The fish of the family Polypteridae are notable examples of amphibious fish. They possess an organ called the "labyrinth", located in their buccal cavity, which allows them to breathe atmospheric air. This labyrinth is composed of highly vascularized tissues that facilitate gas exchange. The Polypteridae are able to survive in aquatic environments with low oxygen levels by using this additional respiratory capacity. These fish can also move on land for short distances using their fins as legs, allowing them to find new water sources during periods of drought.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1

What are the most well-known fish capable of breathing out of water?

The most well-known fishes capable of breathing out of water are the climbing fishes, such as the Indian climbing fish.

2

How do fish adapted to breathe out of water manage to do so?

These fish have respiratory organs specially designed to extract oxygen from the air and transport it to their tissues.

3

What anatomical adaptations allow fish to breathe out of water?

Among the anatomical adaptations are the presence of lungs, vascularized oral mucosa, and thin, highly vascularized skin.

4

What are the benefits for a fish to be able to breathe out of water?

The ability to breathe out of water allows these fish to survive in environments where water may temporarily lack oxygen.

5

Are there any fish capable of living both in water and on land?

Yes, some fish like the walking fish can breathe air and move on land for extended periods of time.

6

How do amphibious fish manage their respiration in changing environments?

Amphibious fish have developed mechanisms to alternate between aquatic branchial respiration and pulmonary respiration out of the water, depending on environmental conditions.

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