INTRODUCTION TO FISHES PART 1 Fisheries
Introduction to Fishes What is a fish? A limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins and living wholly in water.
Introduction to Fishes Fish are vertebrates. Cold-blooded. Their temperature varies with that of their surroundings. Most reproduce by laying eggs. Fertilized externally.
Body Types Six main body types
Body Types Flat (rays, skates, flounder, sole)
Body Types Fusiform (sharks, salmon, barracuda, tuna)
Body Types Elongated (ells, lamprey, needlefish)
Body Types Compressed (butterfly fish, angelfish)
Body Types Round (porcupine fish)
Body Types Ribbon (cutlass)
Scales Point away from the head (towards tail fin). Ctenoid – jagged edges. Cycloid – smooth, round edges.
Lateral Line This organ lays is a series of fluid-filled ducts located just beneath the scales. Picks up vibrations in the water for: Detecting predators Finding food Navigation
Fins Used for movement, stability, steering, nest building, and spawning.
Fins Caudal Fin: For propulsion. Fast swimmers have a forked caudal fin. Dorsal Fin: For stability. Anal Fin: For stability. Pectoral Fins: For manoeuvring (steer and brake).