Animal Facts - Fish - SAFE Animal Squad - Together we can make a difference for all animals

A fish is a limbless, cold-blooded, vertebrate animal with gills and fins who lives in the water. Fish are simply amazing. They are sentient, which means they can feel pain just like humans.

Animal Profile

Lifespan

Different fish have different life expectancies, from just a couple of months to over 50 years.

Eyesight

Fish have special eyes that allow them to see underwater. Some fish can even see ultraviolet light (which the human eye cannot detect).

Gills

Fish have gills that allow them to breathe. Water will pass through these gills and the oxygen will be extracted and pushed out.

Scales

A fish’s scales are usually slimy to touch. This helps them swim quickly through the water.

Super senses

Fish have the ability to detect electrical pulses from nearby creatures. These electrical pulses are caused by contracting muscles or heartbeats.

When a fish is not a fish at all

The following ‘fish’ are not fish at all: shellfish, cuttlefish, starfish, crayfish and jellyfish.

Did you know?

Nearly 33,000 species of fish have been discovered.

Flying fish

Flying fish can glide for around 50 metres above the water and can reach heights of up to six metres.

Did you know?

Fish can drown if there is not enough oxygen dissolved in the water.

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Animal Bites

Learn about fish and other animals in out our Animal Bites newsletters.