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
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