1. Fish: Form and Function
SciREN Lesson Plan
Carter Smith and Kathleen Onorevole

2. What can shape tell us about function?

3. Dorsal Fin Used for balance
Sometimes contains sharp points for protection

4. Pectoral Fins Paired fins
Used for locomotion and side to side movement

5. Pelvic fins Paired fins Stability while swimming
Can be used like a kick-stand for fish that like to sit on the bottom

6. Anal Fins
Paired fins
Used for stability

7. Caudal Fin
Used for locomotion
The “engine” of the fish

8. What can a caudal fin tell us?
If the fish is a fast swimmer
If the fish is traveling long distances
If maneuverability is important

9. Types of Caudal Fins

10. Round Caudal Fin Slow swimmers
Usually live near reefs, because they are good a maneuvering around obstacles
Majestic Angelfish

11. Forked Caudal Fin Fish that spend a lot of time swimming
Not the fastest, but they are always in motion
Usually live near shore, but not on reefs
Channel Catfish

12. Square Caudal Fin Good maneuverability Bursts of speed
Usually live near shore or on reefs
Red Snapper

13. Lunate Caudal Fin Fast swimmers
Swim for long distances (across entire ocean basins!)
Dolphin Fish (aka Mahi Mahi)