Fish living in the deep sea face extreme pressure, which increases by one atmosphere every 10 meters of depth. These conditions influence their physiology, behavior, and survival strategies.
Physiological Adaptations:
Deep-sea fish have flexible bones, reduced or no swim bladders, and specialized proteins that prevent cellular damage from extreme pressure.
Behavioral Adaptations:
Many deep-sea fish are slow-moving, conserving energy. Bioluminescence is often used to attract prey or communicate in the darkness.
Survival Strategies:
These fish often have large mouths and expandable stomachs, allowing them to consume scarce prey whenever it is available. Pressure-resistant enzymes and membranes enable them to function at depths exceeding 1000 meters.