Fishes

Key Notes :

What Are Fishes?

• Fishes are aquatic animals that live in water.
• They have gills for breathing, fins for swimming, and scales covering their bodies.

Types of Fishes:

• Freshwater Fish: Live in rivers, lakes, and ponds (e.g., goldfish, catfish).

• Saltwater Fish: Live in oceans and seas (e.g., salmon, clownfish).

Body Parts of Fish:

• Fins: Help fish swim and maintain balance.

• Tail: Used for propulsion to move forward.

• Gills: Allow fish to breathe underwater by extracting oxygen from water.

• Scales: Protect their bodies and reduce water resistance.

Diet of Fishes:

• Fishes can be herbivores (plant eaters), carnivores (meat eaters), or omnivores (eat both plants and animals).
• Common foods include algae, small fish, and insects.

Habitat:

• Fishes live in various water environments, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and ponds.
• Some fishes prefer warm waters, while others thrive in colder environments.

Reproduction:

• Most fishes lay eggs in water, while some give birth to live young.
• Fish eggs are called roe, and many eggs hatch into fry (young fish).

Importance of Fishes:

• Fishes are a crucial part of the food chain in aquatic ecosystems.
• They provide food for humans and other animals.
• Fishes also contribute to recreational activities, like fishing and aquariums.

Conservation:

• Some fish species are endangered due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss.
• It is important to protect aquatic environments to ensure the survival of fish species.

Fun Facts:

• Some fish can change color to blend in with their surroundings.
• The largest fish in the world is the whale shark, which can grow up to 40 feet long!

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