Asked by: Laira Aros
Asked in category: pets, fish and aquariums
Last Updated: 4th May 2024

Are salt glands present in fish?

Salt glands are an organ that helps eliminate excess salts. It can be found in sharks, rays and skates, seabirds and some reptiles. The glands of sharks can be found in their rectums, birds' or reptiles’ skulls in the vicinity of the eyes, nostrils, or mouth.



This begs the question: Do all birds have salt glands or not?

The nasal or salt glands are located above the eyes in all birds. They are different from lacrimal and Harderian glands. These glands are present in marine species and they function as salt glands, allowing them to consume seawater and expel excess salt.

Do plants also have glands? A plant gland can be described functionally as a structure in which one or more products are secreted. It can be found on or near the surface of the plant, and secrete externally. Or it may be hidden within the plant and secrete into an artery or reservoir.

This is how fish remove salt.

Seawater is filtered through fish's kidneys, which work in the same way as ours. The excess salt is then eliminated via their urine. They can get rid of salt through their gills and even their skin. Different fish may have different limits. Saltwater species can die if they get trapped in salty water.

What is the purpose of salt glands in marine birds?

Salt-secreting nasal glands are found in marine birds. They produce hypertonic sodium chloride solutions in response to salt loads, such as seawater ingestion. This gland is necessary for marine life of animals with low salt levels.