Here's why:
* Gills are essential for breathing: Gills are the primary organs for respiration in fish. They extract oxygen from the water and release carbon dioxide.
* Gill structure: Each gill is made up of delicate filaments that are highly vascularized. This network of blood vessels allows for efficient gas exchange.
* Loss of surface area: Losing a gill significantly reduces the surface area available for oxygen absorption.
* Compromised breathing: Even with one gill, the fish would struggle to obtain enough oxygen to sustain life.
While some fish may be able to survive for a short period with a damaged gill, eventually, they will suffocate without a functioning set of gills.