Do fish drink water or just breathe it?

We all know fish live in water, but when it comes to hydration, things get a little fishy! Unlike us landlubbers who guzzle down glasses of water, fish have a different approach. Fish breathe by drawing water in through their gills, where oxygen is absorbed into their bloodstream. But that’s not the whole story. The water surrounding them also plays a role in their hydration.

The Guardian sheds light on a surprising aspect of fish hydration! While the saying goes “fish can’t drown,” it turns out only saltwater fish actually drink.

Here’s the fin-tastic truth about fish and hydration:

Salty Sippers: The Thirsty Side of Saltwater

Saltwater fish face a constant battle against dehydration. The saltier water outside their bodies draws water out through their gills. To compensate, they actively drink seawater. This constant intake of water helps them maintain the right balance of salts and fluids within their bodies.

Freshwater Flow: The Balancing Act

Freshwater fish have the opposite problem. The freshwater they live in tends to be less salty than their internal fluids. This leads to water constantly entering their bodies through the gills. While they might not actively drink in the same way we do, they do absorb some water to maintain their balance. They may also expel some excess water through their urine or gills.

So, while fish don’t necessarily need a cup of tea, the water they live in plays a crucial role in their hydration depending on its saltiness. Keeping your pet fish in a clean and well-maintained tank ensures they have the perfect environment to breathe and stay hydrated.

Artificial Intelligence assisted in compiling this article.