Which specialized structure allows Clarias batrachus to breathe atmospheric air?

Answer

Suprabranchial organs located above the gills

The capacity for sustained terrestrial movement relies fundamentally on the ability to utilize atmospheric oxygen, which the walking catfish achieves through dedicated respiratory structures. Specifically, it possesses a pair of specialized organs termed suprabranchial organs. These structures are situated anatomically above the main gills within the head region of the fish. Their function is to act as accessory breathing apparatuses, allowing the *Clarias batrachus* to directly draw and process oxygen from the air. This adaptation is crucial because it permits survival for extended periods when aquatic habitats suffer from conditions like droughts or severe water quality deterioration, making these organs key to overland success.

Related Questions

Which specialized structure allows Clarias batrachus to breathe atmospheric air?How does the Clarias batrachus generally propel itself during terrestrial movement?What environmental thresholds trigger the overland migration behavior of the walking catfish?What evolutionary parallel is suggested by the catfish's fin-based movement compared to tetrapods?In which specific region is the walking catfish currently established as an invasive species?How does the terrestrial locomotion of the desert armored catfish differ from Clarias batrachus?What are the common human introduction mechanisms that spread the walking catfish outside its native range?What dual traits make the walking catfish a persistent ecological management headache?Why does the catfish only commit to walking behavior despite its capability?What role does the Clarias batrachus serve for scientists studying vertebrate history?

evolution fish adaptation locomotion Catfish