Sea Fish: Osmosis & Pressure in the Deep

  • Thread starter Evil
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In summary, the conversation discusses the survival of fish in different water pressures. It is mentioned that salt water fish have cells that are more concentrated, allowing them to live in salt water without becoming dehydrated. Deep sea fish, on the other hand, are pressurized and have bodies that can withstand high levels of pressure. The conversation also mentions the potential danger of bringing deep sea fish up to the surface too quickly, as their bodies may not be able to adjust to the sudden change in pressure.
  • #1
Evil
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juz wondering...in the sea water is salty so water leave the fish by osmosis rite?
wat about fish at the very deep..wont the pressure force the water into the fish causing them to die?
 
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  • #2
I don't think so , the shape deep sea fish are allows them to live in that area , also , I don't see any reason for deep sea fish to die ?!
Can you explain your point of view please.
 
  • #3
Evil (nice username) raises some very interesting questions.

In general, salt water fish are either water tight, or that their cells are more concentrated solutions than their fresh water counterparts, so their cells do not end up being dessicated.

Deep water fish are pressurised. Because the internal pressure of the fish is the same as the external pressure, they are not crushed by the water outside. An interesting point to note that many deep water organisms "burst" when brought up too rapidly from the depths - the pressure difference becomes so big they literally explode.

At least, that's what I remember reading on this.
 
  • #4
so wat generate the great pressure within the fish?
deep Sea has a very great pressure and does the shape of the fish help in any way?
 
  • #5
Originally posted by Evil
so wat generate the great pressure within the fish?
deep Sea has a very great pressure and does the shape of the fish help in any way?

yes, their bodies are meant to withstand tons of pounds per square inch and also i believe they have a system of equalizing their pressure to that of the outside pressure. (like a scuba diver does by blowing hard on his nose while pinching it closed)
 
  • #6
Originally posted by Evil
so wat generate the great pressure within the fish?

that's the same as asking how do you generate a pressure of aprox. 101000 (N/m^2) inside your body...
 

1. What is osmosis and how does it relate to sea fish?

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. It is important for sea fish because they need to maintain a balance of water and salt in their bodies in order to survive in saltwater environments.

2. How do sea fish regulate their internal pressure in the deep sea?

Sea fish have specialized organs called swim bladders that help them regulate their internal pressure. These bladders can inflate or deflate to adjust the fish's overall density and maintain neutral buoyancy in the deep sea.

3. Can sea fish withstand the high pressure in the deep sea?

Yes, sea fish have adapted to withstand the high pressures in the deep sea. Their bodies are designed to resist the crushing force of the water at extreme depths. Some deep sea fish also have flexible bodies and compressible air spaces to help them cope with the pressure.

4. How does the pressure affect the physiology of sea fish?

The high pressure in the deep sea can affect the physiology of sea fish in various ways. Some fish have developed specialized organs and mechanisms to regulate their internal pressure and prevent their bodies from collapsing. The high pressure can also affect the gas exchange in their gills, making it more difficult for them to breathe.

5. What are some adaptations of sea fish to survive in the deep sea?

Sea fish have many adaptations that allow them to survive in the deep sea. These include bioluminescence, which helps them attract prey and communicate with other fish in the dark depths, and large eyes that can gather as much light as possible in the low light conditions. They also have specialized bodies and organs, such as flexible jaws and expandable stomachs, to help them consume prey that are larger in size but less abundant in the deep sea.

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