Which Fish Can Live Out of Water?

Some species have evolved the ability to breathe air—and literally cross the road.

"Fish out of water" usually means someone who’s totally out of place.

Some fish didn’t get the memo.

For Saturday’s Weird Animal Question of the Week, Ving Salcedo asked what type of fish can live without water for a small period of time. It turns out quite a few have a fin in both worlds.

Several fish are amphibious, meaning they can typically survive out of water, Andy Turko, of the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, says via email.

Turko co-authored a recent study on the mangrove rivulus, a fish that leaps on land when its tropical waters get too warm. (Related: "To Cool Off, This Fish Leaves the Water.")

Fish use gills to take in oxygen from the water.

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?
How to eat in 6 of the world’s most stunning places
Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet