Salt is an essential component in the chemical reactions that occur within a fish's body.

Like other animals, fish have some level of salt in their blood, a vital factor for their survival.

Osmosis and Equilibrium

When fish extract oxygen from water, the water interacts with their bloodstream.

If the water's salt concentration matches what the fish's biology expects, the salt level in their blood remains at equilibrium.

Impact of Salt Imbalance

However, if the water has too much salt, it results in an excess of salt in the fish's blood, leading to detrimental effects.

Conversely, if the water is low in salt, it draws some out of the fish's blood, causing different complications.

Adaptation to Different Environments

Freshwater and saltwater fish have evolved with different body chemistry to cope with the varying salt concentrations in their natural habitats.

The Challenge of Transition

When fish from one type of water are placed in the opposite type, the imbalance of salt in their bodies causes their cells to malfunction and ultimately leads to their demise.

Understanding the fundamental role of salt and osmosis in fish biology sheds light on why saltwater fish cannot survive in freshwater and vice versa.

It underscores the delicate balance of nature and the unique adaptations of marine life.