Do Fish Get Thirsty and Do They Need to Drink Water?

The video explores the concept of thirst in animals, focusing on fish. It explains how land animals experience thirst as a drive to maintain water and salt balance, known as homeostasis. Fish, however, have different mechanisms. Osmoconformers like hagfish match their internal salt levels with their environment, while osmoregulators like most fish maintain different internal concentrations. Freshwater fish absorb water through osmosis and excrete excess, while saltwater fish drink water and excrete salt. Some fish, like salmon, adapt to both environments. Fish don't feel thirst like land animals, as they live in water and manage hydration differently.

What is the definition of thirst as described in the text?

Explain the difference between osmo conformers and osmo regulators.

How do freshwater fish manage their water and salt balance?

What adaptations do saltwater fish have to deal with dehydration?

Why might fish not feel thirsty in the same way land animals do?