Post on 19-Dec-2014
description
Fish Morphology
Great diversity exists among fishes body types and in adaptations
they have that help them
survive in their environment
Body Shape - Fusiform
• Streamlined, torpedo-shaped
• Fast open water swimmers• Predators• Move tail side to side• Ex: Tuna, Swordfish, Shark,
Striped Bass, Salmon
Fusiform
Elfin Cove, AlaskaElfin Cove, Alaska
Orient Point, New YorkOrient Point, New York
Body Shape - Compressiform
• Compressed from side to side
• Quick bursts of speed over short distances
• Live among plants, move among narrow spaces
• Move tail side to side• Ex: Moonfish, Butterflyfish
Front view
Body Shape - Depressiform
• Flattened top to bottom• Live on the bottom• Predators or scavengers• Flap fins up and down,
swim like a bird• Ex: Halibut, Flounder,
Skates, Rays
Front view
Elfin Cove, AlaskaElfin Cove, Alaska Montauk, New YorkMontauk, New York
Check out tail shape Check out tail shape
Depressiform
Body Shape – Filiform (Attenuated)
• Elongated shape• Slow• Live soft mud, sand, or
under rocks• Slither like a snake• Ex: Eels, Sand Lance
Side view
Caudal Fin Shape
• Caudal Fin = Tail• Homocercal = symmetrical• Heterocercal = asymmetrical
Tail Shape – Homocercal-Rounded
• Large amount of surface area allows sharp turns, quick starts for predator avoidance
• Creates drag, fish tires easily
• Ex: Northern Puffer, Clownfish
Tail Shape – Homocercal-Truncate
• Allows short bursts of speed to escape predators or constant slow swimming
• Less drag than rounded• Bottom dwelling fish• Ex: Killifish, Flounder,
Halibut (see slide 6)
Tail Shape – Homocercal-Forked• Allows constant swimming
over long distances, reduces drag
• Open water swimmers• Don’t need speed for
protection or to catch food
• Ex: Many schooling fish, Menhaden, Striped Bass, Porgies
Huntington, New York
Huntington, New York
Smithtown, New YorkSmithtown, New York
Homocercal-Forked
Tail Shape – Homocercal- Lunate
• Half-moon shaped• Fast moving oceanic
swimmers• Less drag, great acceleration,
reduced maneuverability• Ex: Tuna, Swordfish
Tail Shape – Heterocercal
• Medium speed• Asymmetrical – top longer
than bottom• No air bladder, so tail provides
lift• Reduced maneuverability• Ex: Many sharks