* Decreased Oxygen: Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen than cold water. This makes it harder for fish to breathe, leading to suffocation.
* Metabolic Rate Increase: Warmer water increases a fish's metabolic rate, meaning they need more oxygen to function. This creates a vicious cycle as they need more oxygen when there's less available.
* Stress and Immune System: Warm water stresses fish, making them more susceptible to diseases and parasites. Their immune system weakens, making them less able to fight off infections.
* Toxicity: As water warms, it can release toxins like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which are harmful to fish.
It's important to note that different fish species have different tolerance levels to warm water. Some species can tolerate warmer temperatures than others.
Here are some other factors that contribute to fish death in warm water:
* Algal Blooms: Warm water can fuel algal blooms, which can block sunlight and deplete oxygen in the water.
* Pollution: Pollutants are often more toxic in warmer water.
* Lack of Shelter: Warm water can make it harder for fish to find shelter from predators.
Overall, warm water can create a cascade of negative effects that make it difficult for fish to survive.