How are different fish species adapted to the environment where they live?
During our morning discussion there was a little bit of talk about the kinds of different species that live in different depths of the ocean and different habitats. Some organisms survive better with sunlight, such as corals, who require warm water and sunlight. Other species live hundreds of feet below the water's surface were it is cooler and darker such as angler fish and gulper eels. How are these animals adapted to such unique environments?
How vulnerable the fish is to predators has a lot to do with where it lives. Some factors might include, shallow water, areas with low fish populations, colorful reefs or open, spacious pelagic zones. Depending on the temperature of the area in the water, the amount of sunlight, and the motion of the tides, different fish will be able to survive in a different environment. Portray the behaviors and physical qualities of a fish that lives in shallow water, in warm water with many corals and shady rocks. How might a fish living here differ from a fish living in a deeper area, with a sandy bottom, but still a warm temperature and less or no corals and rocks? Give your input on this Daily Dilemma!
Claire
Fish living in shallower, warmer water might be more colorful to reflect their environment. Blending into its environment might allow different fish species to evade predators or wait for prey to swim by.
Fish living in deeper, colder waters don't need to be as colorful because they rely on other senses than sight to evade or locate prey.
I wonder what some of the physical adaptations might be for physical composition of fish living in deeper, colder water? Do the fish that prefer colder water have more fat reserves than those living closer to the surface?
Well Claire, Ive heard of many species of fish that live near mid-ocean ridges and thermal vents, that thrive off their environment which is not an ideal place to live in for most fish. In these places the temperature of the water can reach dangerous levels for any fish (400*C). Crabs, shrimp, mussels, copepods, and my favorite, truly LOVE this one, the Flatfish! The flatfish is managing to survive by being able to adapt to the extreme temperature, feeding off bacteria and worms. But they do also eat fish. When a fish dies from coming to close to the sulfuric water the flatfish rip apart and eat whatever they can from the fish. And one more thing these fish survive because of their habitat. No predator is willing to severely injure itself to get these fish so they rarely have to worry about being attacked or eaten.
I liked this article and it got me to talk about my FAVORITE fish. Keep um' comin'
Answer: thank you so much! stay updated! Claire
A fish living on the sandy bottom might be camouflaged differently, blending in with the sand, versus reef fish, which are often colorful.