Fish are water-dwelling vertebrates. These aquatic animals breathe by absorbing oxygen from the water using gills. Almost all fish are cold-blooded, and some have scales to protect their bodies. Most species lay eggs—in fact, certain species are able to lay millions of eggs at a time.
Some fish prefer saltwater or freshwater, while others have the ability to survive in both. Common threats to fish in and around the United States include overfishing, habitat degradation, and poor water conditions. Climate change is also a threat, particularly for coldwater fish, which are extremely sensitive to changes in water temperature. When streams get too warm, the fish can experience slower growth rates, lower oxygen levels in the water, and greater susceptibility to poisons, parasites, and disease.
Warmwater Fish
Fish that thrive in higher temperatures
| Bull Shark | Flying Fish |
| Mangrove Rivulus | Pupfish |
| Sawfish |
Coldwater Fish
Fish that thrive in lower temperatures
| Brook Trout | Chinook Salmon |
| Mudminnows | Rainbow Trout and Steelhead |
| Walleye |
The National Wildlife Federation is providing resources to help families and caregivers across the country provide meaningful educational opportunities and safe outdoor experiences for children during these incredibly difficult times.
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President and CEO Collin O’Mara reveals in a TEDx Talk why it is essential to connect our children and future generations with wildlife and the outdoors—and how doing so is good for our health, economy, and environment.
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More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive.
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