What happens to fish when a lake freezes solid?

Do fish die in frozen lakes or in lakes that are partially frozen? Since fish are cold-blooded animals, they can survive because they are able to regulate their body temperature to match their environment. However, they could die if a body of water freezes over completely and remains frozen for an extended period.



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In water that is around the freezing point, a person is likely to survive only 15 to 45 minutes with flotation and possibly up to an hour or so with flotation and protective gear before the brain and heart stop (Table 1). The surface temperature of Lake Superior in early to mid-summer is about 40 to 50 F.

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Once the surface water cools to approximately 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water molecules crystallize into interlocking lattice-like patterns and ice is formed.

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Because of the time required to melt ice that has thickened over the winter, the clearing of lake ice occurs some time after average daily air temperatures rise above freezing. Typically the lag is on the order of one month at latitude 50° N and about six weeks at 70° N.

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Health risks Winter swimming can be dangerous to people who are not used to swimming in very cold water. After immersion in cold water the cold shock response will occur, causing an uncontrollable gasp for air. This is followed by hyperventilation, a longer period of more rapid breathing.

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