MadSci Network: Zoology |
Yes, all fish do have gills. However, not all fish use their gills for breathing. In fact one species of lungfish must breathe air or it will drown. In addition to having gills, lungfishes have one or two primitive lungs for breathing air. This enables them to survive in poorly oxygenated waters. Their lobed fins enable them to crawl across the land.
There are six species of lungfishes. Lungfishes are only found in the Southern Hemisphere in Australia (Neoceratodus forsteri), Africa (Protopterus sp.) and in South America. Lungfishes are closely related to coelacanths (Latimeria sp.), which have degenerate lungs that are derived from their air bladders.
Find out more about the Australian Lung Fish
Another reference on lungfish is The Columbia Encyclopedia
There are several other species of fish that can breathe air. Examples include: the Albino Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus), the bowfin (Amia calva), Mudskippers, and Blennies. These fishes have modified swim bladders for gulping air or specialized gill chambers that mix water and air. These adaptations help them survive when oxygen is depleted.
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Zoology.