Why is this the answer?

The answer is fish because this amazing old riddle is describing the unique and wonderful ways that fish live in the water. Let's look at all the clues one by one, like we are detectives solving a super interesting case. First, the riddle says, "Alive without breath". We know that fish are definitely alive, but they don't breathe the way you and I do with lungs. If you put your head under water, you have to hold your breath. A fish is different! It uses its special organs called gills to take the oxygen right out of the water. It never has to come up for a big gasp of air, so it is alive without needing to take a proper "breath" of air like a person. This makes the first clue a perfect match for our aquatic friends. Next, the riddle says, "As cold as death". Fish are not warm and cuddly like a puppy or a kitten that can keep their bodies warm all the time. Fish are cold blooded, which means their bodies become the same temperature as the water they swim in. If they live in a very cold ocean or lake, their bodies will be cold too! Even though "cold as death" sounds a little dramatic, it is a clever way of describing how a fish's body temperature is determined by its environment and is usually quite cool. Then we have, "Clad in mail never clinking". This is a really imaginative clue! "Mail" is an old word for armor, like the shirt made of metal pieces that a brave knight would wear for protection. Fish have scales that cover their whole body, which act just like a suit of tiny, shiny armor to protect them. When a fish swims, its scales don't make any sound, so the "mail" is "never clinking". Finally, the last part says, "Never thirsty, ever drinking". This is a funny one that plays with words. Fish live completely inside the water. They are always surrounded by it, swimming in it all the time. They don't have to stop and ask for a glass of water because they are constantly in their drink! Because they are surrounded by water all the time, they are never thirsty. All of these wonderful and imaginative clues point perfectly to the answer: a fish!