Fish are cold-blooded vertebrates that live in water, breathe with gills, and have fins rather than legs. Cold-blooded means their surrounding environment largely regulates their body temperature. ... Fish usually absorb oxygen from water through the gills.

What does cold blooded mean fish?

Like reptiles and amphibians, fish are cold-blooded poikilothermous vertebrates —meaning they get their body temperature from the surrounding water. ... This also adds to the amount of oxygen fish require.

How do cold blooded fish survive?

Most fish slow down and "rest" near the bottom during cold winter months. ... As cold-blooded creatures, their metabolism dips when temperatures take a dive. The layer of ice that forms on top of a lake, pond, river, or stream provides some insulation that helps the waterbody retain its heat.