To investigate the fish-gill-ear question, the researchers, led by Crump’s then graduate student Mathi Thiruppathy, did some clever genetic transfer experiments.

The fish's blood pH initially fell by 1.2 units, but after just a few hours their gills were able to correct this by bringing in bicarbonate ions from the surrounding water.

For most of us, the idea of “fish” seems obvious. They swim in water, have fins and scales, and breathe through gills. We see them in ponds, on dinner plates, and in colorful tanks at pet stores.

After being swallowed alive, Japanese eels were able to escape from a predator fish’s stomach and swim to freedom through the fish’s gills, new research shows.

Fat deposits around the gills and muscles help insulate the fish, the researchers found. Built for speed Warm blood gives deep-sea fish a boost, according to Wegner.

After being swallowed alive, Japanese eels were able to escape from a predator fish’s stomach and swim to freedom through the fish’s gills, new research shows.

In a scientific first, ... 13 managed to push their tail out of the fish's gill and nine made a successful escape. Not all the eels used the same tactic to try to find freedom.