Fish Facts
Some Fascinating Fish Facts You May Not Know
The mysteries of the deep blue sea invoke great curiosity in many people who seek to unlock the secret fish facts that lay beneath the waves. A variety of questions continually arise to clarify certain fish facts; some of which are answered here.
One question that people want answered is how many fish species there are. Some estimate at least 20,000 species of fish exist in the world’s water supplies, but the truth is that there is likely two times that amount. This question touches upon one of the most elusive fish facts, since there is no concrete method of determining the answer.
Children often ask, “Do fish sleep?” The belief shared by experts on this fish fact is that yes, fish do indeed rest, but it may not be in the manner that we may imagine. Since fish are not equipped with eyelids (with the exception of sharks), they are unable to sleep like most life forms. Many simply float in the water, lodge themselves in a crevice, nook or cranny or even nestle within a rudimentary bed of mud. Ever on the alert for a threatening situation, they rest until ready to move on.
While we all know that fish are fitted out with fins and gills, one of the more common fish facts that people wonder about is how fish swim. Strips of muscle occupy both sides of a fish, and these are constricted on an alternating basis so that the tail is pulled back and forth. Fins are used for balance and stability as the fish propels forward and also to assist them in remaining motionless. One of the fish facts that surprise people is that tuna, billfish and shark are the fastest in the seas, able to top 50 miles per hour!
Because the world is adapting to harvesting only sustainable species, many fishermen now practice the catch and release system; another question folks have on fish facts. While it would seem that hooking would damage the fish, facts show that if the fish is handled carefully, most of these will survive their experience. The more stressed a fish becomes during the play, the more tired it becomes which lessens its chance of living to see another day. Also, if the hook penetrates the gills or eyes which are the more sensitive areas on the fish, facts indicate that the fish will most likely die. The proper method of releasing the fish is to carefully remove the hook, then cradle it gently in your hands submerged in water until the fish regains enough energy to move away on its own.
There are many fish facts that are fascinating to learn about; so many that it is next to impossible to list them all. Having answers to just a few of the more common questions may prompt people to learn even more fish facts and unlock more mysteries of the deep.