Why does a fish come up to the surface of the water and it looks like it's sucking in air, if it can breathe under water?
2006-08-06 09:50:19 · 5 answers · asked by kjcs_angel 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Some species of fish have adapted to intake oxygen directly from the air (example, labyrinth fish like bettas, some catfish and others, etc). This is done to augment their oxygen intake (most species of fish that are capable of doing this orginate from water characteristically low in oxygen, so it's a type of survival function).
When other types of fish do this it's an indicator that the oxygen content of the water is low. Warmer water usually contains less oxygen fish require than colder water.
Finally, the behavior you are describing may also be mistaken for fish skimming the surface for food.
2006-08-06 10:04:35 · answer #1 · answered by Kay B 4 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Some fish need air. I have a Beta and these come up to breath air. Most other fish also need a filter in the water to filter air through the water, so the can breathe.
2006-08-06 17:19:58 · answer #2 · answered by bella_mexicana_rellena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Betta's and gold fish have air bags that can be filled with air. They also have gills and can breathe aerated water. Turtles also do this and they don't have gills. If your fish aren't capable of going without aerated water you better check your pump and filters.
2006-08-06 16:58:11 · answer #3 · answered by Msquared 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
near the water surface, the oxygen solved in water, is more so fishes could absorb more oxygen near water surface ...
2006-08-06 17:03:44 · answer #4 · answered by Polin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they sometimes take in oxegen from the surface if you dont have enough oxegen in the water.
2006-08-06 16:58:00 · answer #5 · answered by ChelZ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋