h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Apparently fish don't have 'tongues' as the organ in question isn't used to 'taste'.

But I'm splitting hairs.

Isn't the fact that a tongue detects tastes an added bonus, if you like, to its primary mechanical function? Especially in the case of fish - living in water blurs the distinction between taste and smell even more than it already is blurred for land-dwelling animals.

Most of what we think we "taste", we smell.

The distinction is whether we "taste" it by liquid, solid or gas. Land-dwellers "taste" liquids and solids and "smell" or "breathe" gases. Those verbs would make much sense to fish, though.

Very true, and to be honest I don't think most fish give two hoots about whether or not their peppercorn sauce is too salty.

Some anglers might argue that fish do get fussy about what they eat dependent on the 'taste' though.

Again, I'm just begging the question.

They are probably right that fish are fussy about what they eat. Anglers are a very superstitious bunch, but.

Hali, but.