why do saltwater fish die when placed in fresh water??..sadly my mom was no help..can u guys please be??...hehe..thanks
2007-09-27 16:08:43 · 4 answers · asked by @DRi_LOCZ 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Saltwater is isotonic for saltwater fish. That means that their cells match the concentration of water in salt water.
When you put the same fish in freshwater, freshwater has a higher concentration of water (and a lower concentration of salt) than what they are adapted for. So more water goes from the freshwater into the fish's cells than the amount of water that diffuses from the fish's cells to the environment. The exposed cells swell up and could burst. Most saltwater fish would only survive a very short time in freshwater.
Freshwater is hypotonic for saltwater fish.
The main cells affected will be the cells of the gills because the gills have the water flowing right over them and the cells in the gills are unprotected from the freshwater.
2007-09-27 16:22:05 · answer #1 · answered by ecolink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
saltwater fishs' cells have adapted to take in a certain salinity. Likewise, freshwater fish have adapted to their specific conditions. When either one is placed in the opposite habitat, they cannot maintain homeostasis. If fish take in too much water or too much salt it will kill them over time (however, some fish have adapted to tolerate both types of water.)
2007-09-27 23:21:21 · answer #2 · answered by zi-hong 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's obvious the salt water fish is not accustomed to freshwater. That like asking why can't humans can breath oxygen gas but not mustard gas
2007-09-27 23:18:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they need a coating on their scales to protect them against the change in the water condition.some sharks and salmon can do this
2007-09-27 23:17:00 · answer #4 · answered by ВИТЁК! 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋