Do Fish Have Noses?

[Suriliel]

Heh okay I know fish don't have noses like we do, but what are the little "nostril" looking things on their "noses"? I never really paid attention or noticed before, but now that my oscar has gotten bigger I noticed them. Two little dots or holes or whatever that look like nostrils.. what are they? Just curious

 

[Dany]

nostrils!

 

[Suriliel]

Heh but what do they need nostrils for? Is that seriously what they are? I mean that's what they look like, but it just doesn't make sense to me..

 

[Dany]

what do you think nostrils are for? water is drawn in and through the nazal cavity where chemical signals are deteceted (ie the scent of food)

 

[Suriliel]

That makes sense. No need to be rude though

 

[Neal]

I don't think he was. He was just stating the obvious lol.

Neal

 

[Dany]

i wasnt being rude!

 

[annka5]

I think it's pretty interesting /odd that fish have noses - I mean they don't need/use them for breathing, and have taste buds, and often times just grab at stuff to eat then spit it out later if it's not what they expected! etc. so.... I do know that that is what they are (nostrils for smelling stuff out with) but I don't think it's really that obvious.

 

[vancouver]

Yea I really donno what them nosies is for.. I guess they can smell stuff.. weird..

not a dumb question at all..

no question is ever dumb!!!

 

[Suriliel]

Thank you. I know the answer was simple but I didn't think it was all that obvious either, and if we can't ask questions that some people find dumb without feeling like we're being put down, then what is the point of this forum? Anyways, I've got my answer Thanks!

 

[Sp00ky]

TBF they aint really noses as such. A nose is the name we give to the feature on our face that is made up of fat and grissle. The holes on the the face of a fish are not part of a 'nose' parsay so would really be best described as nostrils or nasal passages maybe?

Good question though mate, i was looking at my JD yesterday and noticed the 2 holes as well. And i wouldnt have know what they were for be it not for your question

 

[KathyM]

Thank you. I know the answer was simple but I didn't think it was all that obvious either, and if we can't ask questions that some people find dumb without feeling like we're being put down, then what is the point of this forum? Anyways, I've got my answer Thanks!

As Chris Tarrant says - "It's only easy if you know the answer"

I've ust realised you won't have a clue what I'm on about, but needless to say no question is a stupid question. I didn't have a clue either.

 

[Suriliel]

Heh yea I never noticed them before because I've always had little fishes. I like them though, they're cute I love having big fish for that reason, it's easier to notice their facial features. Although my little tiny jack dempsey has quite the baby face. Big eyes and such an innocent looking face, he's adorable Can't wait til he grows up so I can see his "nose"

 

[bobbicus]

the fish have noses or paired nostrils - (nasal passages) that are known as NARES - used primarily for drawing in water and noticing the scent of food in the water current

seeing as no-one posted the name i thought i would!!!!

 

[Sp00ky]

the fish have noses or paired nostrils - (nasal passages) that are known as NARES - used primarily for drawing in water and noticing the scent of food in the water current

seeing as no-one posted the name i thought i would!!!!

you learn something new everyday !!

does this also apply to plecs that have those 2 sticky up bits just infront of their eyes? I noticed it yesterday on my large gibby.