How do fish breathe underwater?
Quick Answer
Fish breathe using gills. Gills pull oxygen from the water as it flows over them, and the oxygen moves into the fish’s blood.
Why This Story Works for Bedtime
It’s peaceful ocean science—slow breathing, steady water, and gentle explanations that feel soothing.
Story at a Glance
RECOMMENDED AGES
4-8 years
READING TIME
2 min
Story Synopsis
Fish don’t come up for air the way we do. This story explains how they breathe underwater. Miluna shares that water contains tiny bits of oxygen. When fish open and close their mouths, water moves across their gills. Gills have many thin surfaces, so oxygen can move from the water into the fish’s blood. Then the fish uses that oxygen to live and move. The tone is calm and dreamy, like watching a fish glide. Curiosity stories like this help children feel gentle wonder about life in the sea.
Story Excerpt
When you jump into a pool you hold your breath But fish live underwater all the time How do they breathe Fish need air just like you do But they don't breathe air the same way They get what they need from the water itself Water has tiny bits of air mixed in You can't see them but they're there Fish have special body parts called gills on the…
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In One Glance
Fish use gills to exchange gases with water. Water enters the mouth and passes over gill filaments, which have a large surface area and many tiny blood vessels. Oxygen diffuses from the water into the blood, while carbon dioxide diffuses out into the water. This exchange happens continuously as water flows across the gills, allowing fish to breathe without lungs. The story frames the process as quiet, steady life-support in the ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions
It explains gills pulling oxygen from water as it flows across thin surfaces.
Ages 4–8.
Yes—slow, watery imagery and gentle explanations.
No. It’s soft and nature-focused.
It builds understanding of ocean life and encourages reading as a way to explore the world.