Bony Fish Morphology

Common Bony Fish Morphology

Shape Fusiform Streamlined Efficient Little resistance

Fish Fins

Unpaired Fins Caudal Used for thrust while swimming Structure Fin rays are bony pointed spines Dorsal and anal Used for stabilization Prevents pitching (low speeds) Prevents rolling (high speeds)

Paired Fins Pectoral fins Functions Stabilization Turning Stopping Structure Fin rays are soft rays

Other Structures Operculum Bony flap Covers gill cavity Lateral Line Series of very small canals Pressure receptors “Sense of distant touch” Feel their way through the water

Gills Gas exchange Oxygen 1/20 that of air CO2 Large surface area