Breathe Deeply
Posted by yoonjo ahn on February 28, 2005
Q: As the water temperature decreases, the fish?s operculum and oral movements will also decrease.
Is this true? i did a science lab and am doing a lab report. i need info to back it up. Do a fish's oral and operculum movements differ and why?
A: Yes, it is true. Fish are cold-blooded animals (ectotherms) and as they cool, their metabolism slows down and they need less and less oxygen. A fish's mouth and gill flaps (opurcula) move in rhythm to their need for oxygen; the more oxygen they need, the faster they move, the less oxygen they need, the slower they move. Be sure you read the unit poster so you understand what is going on. Hope this helps.
John Wiessinger ( February 28, 2005)
Filed under: Fish