Fish v. Lightning?

Question

If we are in danger of electrocution by lightning if we swim during a thunderstorm, are fish also in danger of electrocution?

Answer 1

"...when lightning hits the water, the current zips across the surface in all directions. And if you're swimming anywhere in the vicinity, it'll probably hit you. But below the surface, most of the electricity is instantly neutralized. So the fish are generally spared."

But fish near the strike site, or those surfacing, can and will be electrocuted.

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=54

Answer 2

Your danger of electrocution by lightening is not effected by where you are. Water or earth your odds are the same. Yes water is a conductor of electricity. Yet little is known of how lightning acts/reacts in water. Also remember, salt water is a greater conductor than fresh.
http://www.mikeholt.com/mojonewsarchive/LSP-HTML/HTML/LightningQuestions~20020716.htm

Yes, fish are electrocuted by lightening. Electricity in water cause electrotaxis in fish. This is involuntary muscle contraction stimulated by the nervous system when disturbed by electricity. This condition usually last a few minutes. Most fish survive. If a fish is very near the surface when lightning strikes, it will be killed.

Remember a lightning bolt is the hottest form of energy known.
A direct hit results in instant explosion.

Answer 3

When the lightning strikes the water, it dissipates through the entire body of water. People are only at a sligh risk because they are slightly higher than the surface of the water, and thus slightly more likely to be struck directly. If you are swimming in a lake and lightning strikes across the lake, you wouldn't even feel it. Likewise, a fish would also notice no effect. The only time you would have to worry would be in a small body of water like a pool.

Answer 4

generally not although this is not absolute. We tend to be in more danger when swimming because when we swim part of us is above the water level. Lightning tends to strike the highest point, which would be whatever or whomever is sticking out of the water.