* Food Chain: Plants are the foundation of the aquatic food chain. They produce oxygen through photosynthesis and are consumed by tiny organisms called phytoplankton. These phytoplankton are eaten by larger animals, like zooplankton, and so on, up the food chain until you reach fish.
* Habitat: Plants provide shelter and hiding places for fish, especially smaller ones. Without them, fish would be more exposed to predators.
* Water Quality: Plants play a role in maintaining water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, filtering out pollutants, and providing shade, which helps regulate water temperature. Poor water quality would lead to fewer fish and less healthy fish populations.
In short, without plants, there would be no food source for fish, no habitat to live in, and no healthy environment to support their survival.