Why should fish not be stored in water?

* They need oxygen: Fish breathe through their gills, extracting oxygen from the water. Out of water, they suffocate quickly.

* They need to stay moist: Their skin and gills are designed to stay wet. Drying out would be fatal.

* They need to regulate their body temperature: Water helps fish maintain a stable temperature.

The only exception might be if you're talking about preserving fish for long-term storage. In that case, you'd use methods like freezing, smoking, or canning to prevent spoilage.

So, storing fish in water is essential for their survival.