2007-02-09 03:14:01 · 16 answers · asked by Heather m 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
There are always still microcurrents that are under the water, when a lake freezes. This allows for some recirculation of water, promotes oxygenation, and prevents the lake from freezing entirely. The water temp usually remains around 4 C, which is the optimal temperature for water to retain oxygen.
The metabolism of the fish drastically decreases also. This allows the fish to require less energy. Fish can consume less food, and still be able to survive.
2007-02-09 03:26:21 · answer #1 · answered by Shaunie81 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally only the surface freezes so they live below! If the whole thing froze they would die but it is unlikely there would be many fish there in a lake likely to freeze completely.
2007-02-09 03:18:59 · answer #2 · answered by Kirstin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the lake only freezes a few inches deep. There is still water underneath, so the fish are fine under there.
2007-02-09 03:17:41 · answer #3 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the lake were to freeze like a solid block, it's possible that they would come back to life when it thaws. Like reviving a person that has frozen to "death"; it's been done.
But lakes don'r really do that. Because water at the freezing temp is actually less dense than just above the freezing temp, it's lighter and the frozen water turning to ice goes to the top. So below the ice there is heavier cold water that stays there unless it's ready to freeze. At which time it would float.
Ice above, cold water below where the fish can hang out.
2007-02-09 04:54:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
no longer something. THe fish will retreat to the deeper area of the pond. for the time of a typical iciness Ice interior the norther areas of the US does no longer attain any thicker than 18". As of the previous 10 years lake averages have been under 12. (till you're close to the finished lakes or Canada)
2016-11-02 23:46:52 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure lakes don't freeze all the way to the bottom...The fish under the layer of ice keep swimming and eating...
2007-02-09 03:17:42 · answer #6 · answered by Eleventy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fish can "sleep", slow down their metabolism and in the bottom of the lake wait for the better times, or stay active and search for the places where water contains more oxygen.
2007-02-09 03:25:07 · answer #7 · answered by zuska m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
normally only a part of the lake freezes, so fish can still swim and breath normally.
2007-02-09 03:42:02 · answer #8 · answered by nadezdha87 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only the surface freezes, so the fish continue to live under the surface in a dormant state.
2007-02-09 03:19:46 · answer #9 · answered by Gnomon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing happens.Because under the lake temperature is +4 C stays always constant.
2007-02-09 03:18:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋