If fish breathe air, how do they breathe underwater? Inquisitive minds want to know. Fish can breathe underwater because they have gills, which are like human .\r \r Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, so why arent we able to breathe underwater? Find out in thisof BrainStuff.\r \r \r \r In this fun new Shark Academy, Jonathan Bird explains the differences between Obligate Ram Ventilators and Buccal Pumping in shark respiration. Or: How .\r \r Ms. Sophie Readwell tackles your unanswered questions. In this , we learn how fish breathe underwater. Sophie Readwell: Louise McCartney Director: .