Why can’t most freshwater fish survive in salt water and why can’t most salt water fish survive in fresh water?

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Why can’t most freshwater fish survive in salt water and why can’t most salt water fish survive in fresh water?

In: Biology

2 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Because the concentration of salt would “dry” their cells out. That is freshwater fish in salt water.

On the other hand, cells in saltwater fish have mechanisms for which this process does not affect them. However, if they go into freshwater, the same mechanism would bloat their cells and kill them.

There is also a problem with ammonia disposal, or fish pee if you will. Due to osmosis, freshwater fish would have a problem releasing this waste and would eventually die from ammonia toxicity.

Anonymous 0 Comments

For freshwater fish i imagine it’s like accidently pouring salt instead of sugar in your coffee x1000