KS1 Science: Characteristics of fish

Fish all live in water. Some in the salty sea, some in freshwater lakes and rivers.

They breathe through gills, little openings on the side of the head.

Most fish are covered in scales that protect them and help them swim.

Salmon born in British rivers swim downstream to the sea and onto cooler water, as far away as Canada. That's an amazing journey. Eventually, they'll go back to their own river, swimming and leaping back up to where they began life. Now it's their turn to lay eggs that will hatch into young fish.

Tuna fish live in salty water. They're big, sometimes even bigger than a man, and they're fast swimmers. Just as well, because sharks like to eat them!

Sharks hunt for food. They're predators. Inside their strong jaws are lots of sharp, pointy teeth.

Pike are predators too, and live in lakes. They have long, pointed heads and will lie, still and waiting, ready to catch a fish swimming close by. Supper!

Flat fish like turbot and plaice are good at hiding. They're camouflaged against the sandy bottom of the sea. A flatfish's mouth and both its eyes are on one side of its body, so it can see what's above it.

Angler fish live in deep water. They have what looks like a tiny fishing rod dangling over their mouth. Other fish come to see… and get eaten!

Swimming together in shoals makes it harder for fish to be caught by predators, but not by fishermen. Herring and mackerel swim in shoals.

Some fish never swim in the sea or lakes or rivers. They're pets. Just like this goldfish.