The Critical Variable: Air Exposure
The study's most significant finding was the direct correlation between air exposure and recovery time. The results were stark:
FIG 2.0: PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF AIR EXPOSURE VS. SUBMERSION- 0-10 Seconds Fish kept in the water or exposed to air for less than 10 seconds retained most of their reflexes and recovered quickly.
- 60 Seconds Fish held out of water for a minute took 8-10 minutes to regain normal swimming patterns.
- 120 Seconds Fish exposed to air for two minutes never fully recovered within t
