Saltwater Fish
Saltwater Fish are fish that are found in the oceans or marine environments. Saltwater fish are categorized based on the marine environment they live in. Attributes that define a marine environment for a saltwater fish are, the temperature of the water, the depth or flow of the water, the water’s PH, the amount of salt in the water, the alkalinity of the water, and the location of the water including coastal environments to coral reefs and open oceans. Saltwater Fish can either live alone or in big groups of fish, called schools. Saltwater Fish can be hunted for food or to keep in captivity, such as aquariums, for entertainment.
Saltwater fish can carry carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore diets. Herbivore saltwater fish consume both microalgae and macroalgae as well as seagrasses. A carnivore’s diet typically consists of shrimp, plankton, and tiny crustaceans. Some carnivores may eat worms, clams, and parasites. Most carnivore saltwater fish will not eat algae even if they are starving.
Saltwater fish are not able to live in freshwater because their bodies are concentrated from salt solution. Saltwater fish would not be able to osmoregulate correctly in freshwater. Freshwater would flow into their body up to the point where all cells can accumulate water causing them to bloat and die.
Saltwater fish can be acclimated in a couple of ways. This can be done by modifying the water’s salinity, altering the pH of the water, and using the drip method or the floating method. It is important to acclimate saltwater fish because changes in salinity, water temperature, and water chemistry can cause stresses that shock the fish to death.
