Pike part (4) - Crossword Clue
Answer: GILL
Understanding Fish Gills: The Pike's Breathing Apparatus
- Gills are the respiratory organs located on each side of a pike's head, consisting of four pairs of delicate, feathery structures that extract dissolved oxygen from water.
- These vital organs allow the pike to breathe underwater by filtering oxygen molecules as water flows through the gill chambers and exits through the gill covers (opercula).
Quick Tips for Crossword Solvers
- Common variations: GILL, GILLS (5 letters)
- Associated clues: "Fish breather," "Respiratory organ," "What fish use to breathe"
- Memory trick: Think "GILL" - fish need gills like we need lungs
- Letter pattern: G-I-L-L works perfectly in 4-letter spaces
- Related answers: FINS (4), SCALES (6), OPERCULUM (9)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is "GILL" specifically 4 letters in crossword puzzles?
A: The singular form "GILL" contains exactly 4 letters, making it ideal for compact puzzle grids. Constructors often prefer the singular unless the clue specifically indicates plural.
Q: Are there other 4-letter fish anatomy answers I should know?
A: Yes! Common ones include FINS, TAIL, and EGGS. These frequently appear in crosswords alongside GILL.
Q: Can GILL refer to anything besides fish anatomy?
A: Absolutely. GILL is also a liquid measurement (about 4 ounces) and a common surname, though the fish anatomy meaning appears most often in crosswords.
Q: How can I remember that gills are the respiratory organs?
A: Think of the phrase "breathing through the gills"—it's the underwater equivalent of breathing through lungs for land animals.
