Most people know that flushing a fish down the toilet leads to water pollution. But what else happens when you flush a fish? In this article, we’ll explore some of the other harmful effects of flushing a fish down the drain. From toxic wastewater to dead fish, read on to learn about some of the potential consequences of flushing a fish down the toilet.
What’s in a fish’s stomach?
Fish stomachs are full of digestive enzymes that break down food in order to extract nutrients and fluids. The fish liver and intestines also mix the broken down food with oxygenated water, which kicks off the digestive process.Water and gas escape from the fish’s stomach through its mouth and anus.
How do fish digest food?
Fish digest food in a number of ways, but the most common is through their gills. Gills are located on the top and sides of the fish’s head and use an extensive system of filtration to extract nutrients from water. The gill sacs also trap air and help push water over the fish’s gills so it can be expelled through its mouth. Fish that live in freshwater typically eat aquatic plants and insects, which are mostly ground up and passed through their filters. They expel this material from their rectums as feces. Fish that live in salt water consume plankton, which contains small particles that cannot be broken down by the fish’s filters. These particles make their way into the fish’s bloodstream where they are broken down by gastric enzymes and eliminated through its anus.
How do you clean a fish?
Cleaning a fish can be a little tricky, but following these simple steps will ensure that your fish is clean and ready to eat.
1. Fill a sink with cold water and add the appropriate amount of soap.
2. Gently place the fish in the water and scrub it with your hands. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
3. Rinse the fish off with cold water and place it back in the sink.
4. Use a knife to cut off any excess skin and remove any bones before placing the fish on a plate or slab of paper towels to dry.
How to cook a fish
When you flush a fish, the water pushes the gas and stomach contents that the fish has eaten towards the head. The water then rushes through the fish’s open gills, taking away any contaminants and killing any bacteria.
What to do with a fish that has been flushed
If you are caring for a fish that has been flushed, there are a few things you can do to help it survive.
First and foremost, make sure the fish is well-watered. If the water is cold or hard, this can shock the fish and cause it to swim towards the surface where it will be more likely to be caught by wildlife.
Secondly, provide it with food and shelter. A floating container of aquatic plants or an aquarium with lots of hiding spots can help keep the fish occupied and out of trouble.
Finally, never throw a flushing fish back into water that contains other fish—this could lead to conflict or even injury. Instead, release it into a body of water where it is unlikely to be seen again by humans.
Conclusion
Flushing a fish isn’t as weird as it sounds- in fact, it’s actually a common practice that helps preserve the fish. Fish produce ammonia as they digest food and excrete it through their urine and poop. Ammonia is toxic to most plants and animals, so by flushing thefish we are preventing them from poisoning other organisms in the water. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, don’t worry- you can learn more about it by reading our article on how to flush a fish!