For what reason does a fish lying inside water appear to be slightly above its actual depth?

A fish lying inside water appears slightly above its actual depth due to the refraction of light (Option B). Refraction occurs when light travels from one medium to another, such as from water to air. As light rays pass from the denser medium (water) to the less dense medium (air), they bend away from the normal line. This bending changes the light’s direction, causing objects submerged in water to appear at a shallower depth than their true position. This optical illusion is why the fish seems closer to the surface. The refraction effect is influenced by the angle of incidence and the refractive indices of the media involved. As a result, when observing the fish from above, it appears to be at a different depth than it actually is, leading to a perceived shift in its position.