Adaptation of Fish

Fish Habitats and Adaptation Fish are known to inhabit varying aquatic habitats from pools formed by large rivers to the main rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and the oceans. There are distinct characteristics that the fish have that allow them to live adequately within the habitants that they are in. The various adaptations that fish have formed over the years as they evolve allow them to have temperature tolerance, ability to breath, tolerance to salt and also movement to search for food as well as a defense mechanism.

The focus of this paper will be on the fresh water fish as is seen on the diagram and will highlight the most outstanding adaptations that evolution has endowed them with for their survival. One common aspect is the camouflage that fish has which makes then blend against the background to avoid predators and any potential harm and it is also used for hunting as the fish conceals itself against the background and attacks the unsuspecting prey.

The other adaptation is the streamline shape of the body which gives them the ability to swim freely and easily through the water to find food and also escape from potential danger or hunter. The streamline bodies enable the fresh water fish to dart at insects at the surface of the water for food. The caudal fin is also an adaptation that enables them to gather higher speeds while swimming as it gives the fish the forward thrust that it needs.

The pectoral and the pelvic fins are also an adaptation that fish have acquired over the years and these two enable them to glide through water for hundreds of yards without thrusting hence cutting down on the energy demand from the body. A large mouth size is also an adaptation for these fresh water fish to feed on their prey without difficulty (Missouri Department of Conservation, 2014).

The body of the fish is also covered in scales as protective device to the internal organs even as it swims through various sharp objects. Below the scales is the skin that is covered in slime that is an adaptation to reduce friction between the fish and the water as it swims through effectively making them faster, more slippery for the hunters and also use less energy to swim. The slime is also said to be a protective measure against diseases from the surrounding waters (Texas Aquatic Science, 2014).

The fish also have gills that are formatted to absorb oxygen dissolved in water with efficiency that the lungs would not be able to. The gills help the fish to breathe efficiently as it goes about their business of looking for food and escaping from danger. The location of the eyes also allows these fish to locate potential danger and potential food at a wider angle of almost 360 degrees as opposed.