Fish Anatomy & Taxonomy
Dec 16, 2015
Fish Anatomy & Taxonomy
Orientation
Dorsal Fin
• Large fin on back that varies in size, shape and position
• Stabilizes fish
Pectoral & Pelvic Fin
• Pectoral Fins: Located on side of body– Used for steering &
locomotion
• Pelvic Fins: Located on belly or under pectoral fins– Function in stabilizing &
braking
Anal & Adipose Fin
• Anal Fin: Located on ventral side (underside) behind the pelvic fins
• Adipose Fin: Small fin located between the dorsal and caudal fin
Caudal Fin
• Caudal Fin: Tail fin that varies in shape, affecting the fish’s speed and buoyancy
• Used for propulsion
Mouth
• Mouth: The size and shape of a fish’s mouth indicates what they feed upon
Barbels
• Barbels: “Whiskers” near the mouth
• Used by bottom feeding fish to sense food
Some Hints• Body more than 5x as long as broad
• Hinge of mouth
• Scales
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46
5
13
9
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7
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