Explained: How this fish can stay alive in mud for months without water
etimes.in / Jun 10, 2024, 18:00 (IST)
The suckermouth catfish, or pleco, showcases extraordinary survival by enduring months in dried mud without water. Equipped with specialized breathing organs, it enters dormancy, akin to hibernation, until rain rehydrates its environment. This adaptation, also seen in the African lungfish, reflects the species' resilience and invasive success. While biologically fascinating, it prompts concerns about its impact on native ecosystems amid changing environmental conditions.