Learning Objectives
• List and describe the Five shapes of fish we look at to help us Identify them.
• Identify the features that help identify a particular fish.
• Positively identify the Minnesota game fish important for the economy of the state.
K.Q. #1: What are the various shapes that classify MN game fish? • Rover Predators
• Lie-in-wait Predators
• Bottom Rovers
• Deep bodied
• Eel Like
Rover Predators
• Streamlined shape, pointed head, narrow caudal peduncle. Always on the move. E.g. Trout, Walleye
Lie-in-wait Predators
• Explosive ambush predators. Body streamlined and elongate, torpedo like. Large caudal fin. Dorsal and anal fins far back. E.g. Northern, Musky
Bottom Rovers
• Rover type body with a flattened head, humped back, enlarged pectoral fins. E.g., Catfish and Sturgeons.
Deep Bodied
• Laterally flattened with a body depth at least 1/3 that of the length. Long dorsal and anal fin, pectoral fins high on the body with pelvic fins immediately below. Small mouth, large eyes, and short snout. Highly maneuverable, spines common. E.g., sunfish