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FISH MORPHOLOGY
Fish Morphology• There is a great diversity in
shapes of fishes and their body parts• Shapes of fishes are adaptations
to the species’ environment and/or behaviors
Body Shape - Fusiform• Streamlined, torpedo-shaped• Fast-swimming fish• Predators, live in open water• Move tail side to side• Examples: tuna, swordfish, shark, striped bass
side view front view
Body Shape - Compressiform
• Compressed from side to side• Quick bursts of speed over short distances• Live among plants and move in narrow spaces• Examples: moonfish, angelfish• Move tail side to side
front view
Body Shape - Depressiform
• Flattened top to bottom• Live on bottom• Slow• Flap fins up and down and swim like a bird• Examples: flounder, skates, rays
front view
Body Shape – Filiform (Attenuated)
• Elongated shapes• Live in soft mud, sand or under rocks• Slow• Slither like a snake• Examples: eels, sand lance
side view
CAUDAL FIN SHAPE
•Caudal fin = tail fin•Homocercal – symmetrical•Heterocercal - asymmetrical
Caudal Fin Shape – Homocercal - rounded
• Large amount of surface area allows sharp turns and quick starts – to avoid predators
• Creates drag – fish tires easily• Example: northern puffer, clownfish
Caudal Fin Shape – Homocercal - truncate• Allows short bursts of speed to escape
predator or constant slow swimming• Less drag than rounded• Bottom-dwelling fish• Example: killifish, flounder, sculpin
Caudal Fin Shape – Homocercal - forked• For constant swimming over long distances,
reduces drag• Open water fish• Do not need speed to feed or for protection• Examples: many schooling fish, pilot fish
menhaden
Caudal Fin Shape – Homocercal - lunate
• Half-moon shaped• Fast moving, oceanic fish• Less drag, great acceleration, reduced
maneuverability• Examples: tuna, swordfish
Caudal Fin Shape – Heterocercal
• Medium speed• Asymmetrical – top longer than bottom• Provides lift when no air bladder• Reduced maneuverability• Example: many sharks
blue shark
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