5 unique fish species that can survive without water

The general knowledge about fish is that water is their natural habitat, and they cannot survive without it. However, many unique fish species can survive for certain periods without water. 

In this piece, we’ll examine five of them. 

1. Killifish

They are small, attractively coloured fish that live in pools that can dry up. According to ScienceDaily, when there’s no water, the adult fish die, but their eggs stay safe in the mud. 

These eggs can survive for weeks (the same applies to killifish), and when rain falls, they can hatch, and then new killifish are born. This method is called diapause, which helps them live in places where the water supply can be unstable. 

Killifish is one of the unique fish species that can adapt to any environment, regardless of how tough it is. 

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2. Mudskippers

They are unique fish species that can survive both in water and on land. You’ll find them in muddy areas like mangrove forests, where they often skip and crawl in search of food.

To breathe on land, they keep water in their gill chambers and can also inhale oxygen through their skin and mouth. 

Their strong “pectoral” fins help them move across the mud and even climb trees.

They dig holes in the mud with their mouths for shelter, and the mud excavated

3. Walking catfish

The walking catfish is a freshwater fish that can move across land to find new water sources. It makes this happen by pushing itself forward with its pectoral fins and body movements. 

This unique fish species can also locate food in muddy waters and eat at night with the help of their barbels, which look like cat’s whiskers. 

Because of its adaptability, the walking catfish has spread to many places and can become an invasive species. 

4. Betta fish

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are known for their bright colors and their fins. They have a special labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air from the surface. 

They can even stay alive out of water for a short time if their gills stay wet.

5. Climbing perch

The climbing perch is another unique fish species found in Asia that can travel on land. It moves around using its pectoral fins and gill covers.

It survives in tough,  oxygen-poor places like ponds and ditches, even when the water is dirty. This species, just like others mentioned, shows how fish can adapt to different environments, regardless of how tough, in different ways.

In conclusion, these species show how fish can adapt to different environments, regardless of how tough, in different ways.