Fish

do fish sneeze


Do Fish Sneeze?

Fish have many similarities to humans, and many different abilities and senses– but do fish sneeze?

Sneezing in Fish

Research suggests that a fish’s sneeze is close to what humans would call a reflex. Fish have the ability to expel water and mucus from the mouth and nostril, as a reaction to irritants which can be found in the water they live in. This reflexive sneeze helps them expel any irritants or water pressure which may be affecting them.

Why Do Fish Sneeze?

The sneeze is a way for fish to eject anything that’s bothering them. This is especially true of saltwater fish, as they are highly susceptible to the increased osmotic pressure that saltwater can bring. These unique sneezes help the fish expel any foreign material and water pressure which may be affecting them.

Signs of Stress in Fish

The sneeze isn’t the only sign to which fish owners should pay attention to in order to determine the health of their fish. Here are some other signs of stress which could indicate that your fish is not as healthy as it should be:

  • Decreased Appetite
    If your fish’s feeding pattern has changed and it has become more sluggish in its appetite, it could be a sign of distress.
  • Unnatural Color Changes
    If your fish’s colours become dull, faded or patchy, it could be a sign that it is unwell.
  • Swimming Erratically
    If your fish is swimming in an erratic manner– or if it’s swimming excessively fast– it could be a sign of distress.
  • Unusual Breathing Patterns
    If your fish is breathing in a much quicker pattern than usual, it could be a sign of distress.

Conclusion

So, do fish sneeze? Yes! Just like humans, fish have the ability to respond to irritants in the water with a sneeze-like reflex. It is a sign that your fish is healthy, but keep an eye out for other signs of distress, such as a decrease in appetite, color changes, unusual swimming, and unusual breathing patterns.

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