Fish breathe by using gills to absorb oxygen dissolved in water and release carbon dioxide.When a fish opens its mouth, water enters and passes over the gill filaments. Oxygen diffuses from the water into the blood in the gill capillaries, and carbon dioxide diffuses out. The water then exits through gill openings.Steps in fish respirationWater enters through the mouth.It passes over the gill filaments.Gas exchange happens by diffusion.Oxygenated blood travels to body tissues.Deoxygenated blood returns to gills for purification.The gill structure and counter-current flow system make oxygen absorption efficient even in low-oxygen environments. Some fish, like lungfish, can also use lungs in dry conditions.

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How do fish breathe?

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Detailed Solution

Fish breathe by using gills to absorb oxygen dissolved in water and release carbon dioxide.

When a fish opens its mouth, water enters and passes over the gill filaments. Oxygen diffuses from the water into the blood in the gill capillaries, and carbon dioxide diffuses out. The water then exits through gill openings.

Steps in fish respiration

Water enters through the mouth.
It passes over the gill filaments.
Gas exchange happens by diffusion.
Oxygenated blood travels to body tissues.
Deoxygenated blood returns to gills for purification.

The gill structure and counter-current flow system make oxygen absorption efficient even in low-oxygen environments. Some fish, like lungfish, can also use lungs in dry conditions.

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