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

1

2 3

46

5

13

9

8

7

10

11

12

17

14

13

15

1617

18

19