SWIM BLADDER?
The swim bladder is an internal sac containing gas.
It occurs in many bony fish and lies in the abdominal cavity.
By controlling the amount of gas in this sac, the fish can adjust its buoyancy and remain more easily at a given depth.
When the swim bladder contains more gas, its volume increases and the fish can rise more easily.
When its volume decreases, the fish is more likely to sink.
The fish can therefore adjust its buoyancy to the depth at which it wishes to move.
Brown meagre
The swim bladder can have other functions.
In some species, it helps produce sounds. The brown meagre is one example.
In other fish, it can also contribute to hearing.
It is therefore more than a system for controlling buoyancy.
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