How Long Can Fish Survive Out of Water?
Breathing underwater is a norm for fish, but what happens when they are taken out of the water?
Fish rely on dissolved oxygen in water to breathe through their gills. Without this, they cannot survive. Just like a human holding their breath under water, fish would eventually suffocate and die after a short period of time.
Factors Influencing Fish Survival Out of Water
The duration a fish can survive out of water varies significantly based on species. Generally, amphibious and brackish water fish can survive for much longer periods out of water compared to freshwater fish. For example, neon tetras and guppies are not able to survive more than ten minutes without water.
Research shows that fish can survive from as little as ten minutes to as long as two months out of water, depending on the species. Some species, specifically the walking catfish, have remarkable abilities to survive out of water for extended periods. Remarkably, this species can leave the water to find another source of water, and thus survive for a longer time.
Understanding the Perils of Removing Fish from Water
Without water, fish will quickly begin to suffocate. After about three to four minutes without gill movement, they can suffocate and die. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the new water is ready before transferring fish out of their current environment.
For some fish, the ability to survive out of water for a short time can be useful. If placed back in water after a few minutes, they might still be capable of swimming. However, if they have been out of water for a longer period, it is possible that they may survive for up to an hour, but their condition may be critical. Some individuals have witnessed fish surviving for multiple hours, but the ability to recover and function normally is greatly reduced.
The Science Behind Fish Respiratory Systems
Fish gills are specially adapted to extracting oxygen from water, and their function is severely impaired when exposed to air. Gill dysfunction leads to oxygen deprivation, which can lead to rapid death.
Walking catfish, a unique species, can partially breathe air using their intestines, which can help them survive out of water for a short period. However, for most fish species, even a brief exposure to air can be detrimental. Typically, fish can survive out of water for up to 90 seconds before their gill function is compromised, leading to oxygen deprivation and eventually death.
Precautions should be taken when handling fish out of water to prevent unnecessary stress and ensure their survival. Always have fresh water ready before removing fish from their tank to minimize the risk of harm.