FISH
Fish are aquatic creatures that have been on Earth for over 500 million years. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny goby to the massive whale shark. There are over 32,000 species of fish, making them the most diverse group of vertebrates on the planet.
Fish live in every ocean, from the coldest arctic waters to the hottest vents deep in the sea. Some can even survive out of water for short periods of time. Most fish breathe using gills, which filter oxygen from the water and pump it into their bloodstream.
Some fish are covered in hard scales that protect them from predators and parasites. Others have a slimy coating that makes it harder for predators to grab hold of them. Some fish can even change their color to blend in with their surroundings!
Most fish reproduce by releasing eggs into the water, where they are fertilized by sperm released by males. The eggs hatch into larvae which eventually grow into adults. Some species of fish can also reproduce by cloning themselves or by transforming their bodies into something resembling a female’s reproductive organs.
Fish are an important part of many food chains and play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems around the world. They are also popular pets, with millions of people keeping fish tanks or ponds in their homes.