It depends on the size of the fish that is being swallowed. Generally, smaller fish that are swallowed by larger fish die within a few minutes due to suffocation and lack of oxygen. However, larger fish can often survive for several hours, depending on the size of the predator and the amount of water available to the prey.
How long do fish live after being swallowed?
The exact amount of time a fish can remain alive after being swallowed depends on the environment in the predator’s stomach. Generally, fish will survive for around 15 to 25 minutes in the stomach of a predator before dying from lack of oxygen. However, if there is enough food in the predator’s stomach and the fish has enough room to move around, it can survive for a much longer period of time.
Do fish swallow other fish whole?
Yes, many fish eat other fish, and they are able to swallow them whole. Fish have throat teeth which help them to hold and orient their prey before swallowing them. Additionally, their esophagus is pretty narrow, which means that anything swallowed by a fish will be held still by the narrowness of the esophagus and prevented from getting cut up by the sharp fins.
What would happen if you swallowed a goldfish?
Swallowing a goldfish is not recommended as it can be dangerous. The goldfish may get stuck in the throat or stomach, and if it is swallowed alive, it may cause the stomach to become acidic, leading to indigestion, abdominal pain, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Additionally, there is a risk of parasitic transmission if the goldfish is eaten raw. It is best to avoid swallowing goldfish altogether.
What happens when a bird swallows a live fish?
When a bird swallows a live fish, the fish can swim down the bird’s esophagus and into its stomach. This can be dangerous for the bird, as the fins of the fish can expand and injure the bird’s esophagus. Additionally, the fish may struggle in the bird’s stomach and cause internal damage. For this reason, it is generally recommended that birds only consume dead fish.