How Do Fish Survive Under River Ice?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How do fish survive under river ice?

The Big Idea

Fish survive under river ice because the water below stays liquid! The ice on top acts like a lid that keeps the water underneath from freezing solid. Fish slow down and rest in deep, calm pools until spring comes back.

Liquid Water Below

Step one: water stays liquid. The water under the ice is cold, but it stays liquid. The ice above acts like a lid that keeps the water below from freezing solid.

Slow Down

Step two: fish slow down. In the cold, fish move slowly and need much less food, since their bodies work at a slower speed. Many become sleepy and barely move all winter.

Deep Pools and Oxygen

Step three: find a deep pool. Fish gather in deep pools to rest, and flowing water and groundwater carry oxygen into the river. Their bodies are well suited for winter, so they are fine in the cold.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! On top is a lid of ice. Under it, the water is still liquid, which is why the river is not frozen solid. Moving water brings in oxygen. And fish rest quietly in deep pools.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Many fish become sleepy and barely move in winter. Slower bodies need less food and less oxygen. A deep river with flowing water gives fish a safe winter home. Watch frozen rivers from far back, with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Fill a clear container with water and ice. Place a toy fish below the ice. Notice how the water under the ice looks. Then tell a grown-up what you see!

Outro

Fish rest safely under the ice. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!