Bizarre moment mystery sea beast ‘wakes from the dead’ with splash of water

THIS is the extraordinary moment a dry mystery sea creature came back to life with a splash of water. In the footage posted on Reddit, what looks like a mummified catfish is seen breathing for the first time through its mouth as water is poured on its body. RedditThe suckermouth catfish have developed an ability to switch to a hibernation-like mode[/caption] RedditThe fish is still immobile before water is poured on its body and mouth[/caption] RedditThe fish seems to come back from the dead when it breathes air through its mouth[/caption] Whilst the video is astonishing, the suckermouth catfish – also known as the common pleco – is a species that has developed an ability to switch to a hibernation-like mode, where they can survive under dried hardened mud for months without water until the rain comes. Unlike many fish, plecos can also live up to 30 hours outside water if they store enough oxygen in their abdomens. An extremely adaptable species, air-breathing freshwater Suckermouth catfish weighs up to 3 lb (1.36 kg) and relies on an accessory organ associated with the gill cavity that allows the pleco to breathe air. Indeed, they use their gills for respiration and they go to the surface to breathe air when less oxygen is present in the water. READ MORE ON ANIMALS The air-breathing freshwater Suckermouth catfish is native to northern South America and is named after its specialised mouth, which resembles a suction cup. And plecos aren’t the only air-breathers. African lungfish have also adapted to living on the edge – as their name indicates. Whilst they rely on gills that interact with functional lungs to supply oxygen, they have also adjusted to living through periods of drought by creating little tunnels underground or in the mud. Read More on The Sun REBELLIOUS HOPE Deborah James’ family give heartfelt update on Dame’s final mission TUI LATE TUI to cancel hundreds of flights next month causing more holiday misery for Brits The little pods retain moisture around their bodies whilst allowing enough air to circulate around them to allow them to breathe – with no water needed. Incredibly, the African lungfish can live out of the water for up to four years. AlamyAir-Breathing African lungfish can ‘hibernate’ in mud pods during droughts[/caption] AlamyAfrican lungfish can live out of the water for up to four years[/caption] Most read in News BUG OFF Here's why you should NOT kill flies and wasps flying into your house in summer DONOR SHOCK Sperm donor fathered 15 without telling mums about incurable genetic condition DARK TAUNTS I was bombarded with sinister death threats after finding Flight MH370 wreckage QUAKE ALERT Earthquake hits UK as houses and ground shake during 3.8 tremor GATEAU-NO! Shock moment eco-warrior disguised as old woman smears CAKE on Mona Lisa END THEIR HELL Sisters stab paedo dad after he 'raped them & forced them to dig own graves'